Ultra processed foods linked to cancer and early death, studies find | CNN
New research, published on Friday, December 13, 2024, highlights a troubling connection between ultra-processed foods and cancer growth. Conducted by the University of South Florida and Tampa General Hospital’s (TGH) Cancer Institute, the study uncovers how everyday items like sausages, breads, and ice cream could play a role in fueling cancer.
The findings specifically focus on colorectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Researchers examined 162 tumor samples from colorectal cancer patients and discovered alarming levels of molecules that promote inflammation, coupled with a lack of healing agents in the tissues.
Dr. Timothy Yeatman, an expert involved in the study, explained that cancer behaves like a “chronic wound that won’t heal.” He emphasized that diets heavy in ultra-processed foods trigger systemic inflammation, which may not only impair healing but also create an ideal environment for cancer growth.
This chronic inflammation, often linked to a Western diet rich in sugars, salts, and unhealthy fats, is a known risk factor for cancer. Foods low in fiber but high in omega-6 fatty acids—a hallmark of many ultra-processed products—contribute significantly to the issue. The study reinforces earlier research that associated these dietary patterns with higher risks of colorectal cancer, as well as diseases like diabetes and Alzheimer’s.
The American Cancer Society states that chronic inflammatory bowel conditions, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, already increase the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer. This research provides critical evidence of how dietary choices exacerbate these risks.
Dr. Yeatman remarked that relying on ultra-processed foods daily weakens the immune system and decreases the body’s ability to repair itself. Over time, this promotes cell mutations and rapid growth, the precursors to cancer.
The researchers are hopeful that this study will encourage people to shift their diets towards whole, minimally processed foods that reduce inflammation. By doing so, individuals can actively lower their cancer risk while improving overall health.
The findings underscore the importance of rethinking dietary habits and making informed choices. While it’s easy to reach for convenience foods, this research serves as a powerful reminder of their hidden dangers. Choosing fresh, fiber-rich alternatives might not only improve health but could also be life-saving.
As awareness grows, experts urge both consumers and policymakers to consider how dietary shifts could serve as a preventative measure against diseases like cancer. This groundbreaking study leaves no doubt: what we eat has a profound impact on our long-term health.
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