Cancer Cells’ Favorite Flavors: Sugar, Fat & Salt Linked to Increased Risk
BANGKOK – New research highlights a concerning link between dietary habits and cancer risk, identifying three prevalent “flavors” – sugar, high-fat foods, and excessive salt – as especially favorable to cancer cell development. Experts are urging modifications to eating habits as a proactive step in reducing risk.
Studies indicate a strong correlation between these dietary components and increased incidence of specific cancers. A 2022 Harvard University study published in Current Developments in nutrition found women consuming more than one sugary drink daily faced a 78% higher risk of liver cancer compared to those with lower intake. Excess sugar contributes to insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and hormonal imbalances, all of which can weaken immunity and promote cancer cell growth.
Further research, published in PNAS in May 2024, revealed that diets high in fat can elevate the risk of breast cancer and melanoma. This is attributed to disruptions in gut microbe balance caused by excess fat, leading to increased levels of the amino acid leucine, which suppresses immunity and encourages inflammation and cancer cell growth.
The dangers of high salt intake are also underscored by the Chinese Cancer Association’s “Gastric Cancer Management Guidelines” (2023), which state that excessive salt consumption can damage the stomach and increase the likelihood of cancer-causing gene mutations.A global data analysis of 26 studies showed individuals with high-salt diets had a 25% greater risk of stomach cancer, particularly impacting Asian populations with traditionally salt-rich diets. The World Health Association (WHO) recommends a daily salt intake limit of 5 grams, a guideline often exceeded by moast individuals.
To mitigate these risks,experts recommend seven simple dietary adjustments: increasing consumption of whole grains,choosing healthy fats,opting for quality protein sources,eating a diverse range of fruits and vegetables,regularly drinking green tea,limiting alcohol intake,and reducing consumption of grilled,fried,and processed foods.
