According to ANSES, more than half of energy intake in many Western countries comes from ultra-processed foods. This sufficiently demonstrates the place these foods occupy in the diet. However, did you know that they contain a sugar that stimulates tumor growth? Find out what sugar it is.
On the shelves of supermarkets, ultra-processed foods are present in food aisles. Ready to be consumed, these foods are singled out for their role in diabetes and obesity. Today, with this American study, they are still in the news. In fact, they contain added sugar suspected of promoting the development of tumors. Here are more details on this discovery.
Here’s the sugar in ultra-processed foods that accelerates the growth of tumors, study finds
Fructose, a simple sugar
The fructose is a simple sugar naturally found in fruits and honey. With a glycemic index lower than that of glucose, one might think that its consumption is safe. However, even if studies do not all agree on the insidious role of this sugar on health, scientists recommend remaining cautious and not exceeding 50 g per day. Furthermore, over the past ten years, the consumption of fructose has increased due to its use in ultra-processed foods, corn syrups and in beverages.
An American study to shed light on the insidious role of fructose in increased cancer risk
It was American researchers from the University of Washington in the United States who decided to focus their studies onsneaky action fructose found in ultra-processed foods and the growth of tumors. Having carried out their research on animals, the biologists noted that the fructose consumed had no impact on the weight or blood sugar levels of their guinea pigs. On the other hand, its impact on the growth of tumors East “quite spectacular”report researchers who have seen it increase to more than double in some cases.
How to understand the mechanism of fructose on cancer cells
To understand this increase, the researchers gave fructose directly to the cancer cells isolated in boxes. Against all expectations, the diseased cells did not react. Indeed, it is because the human organism is complex. Gary Patti, professor of chemistry and medicine at WashU, explains that “Humans are complex. What you put in your body can be consumed by healthy tissues and then converted into something that killers use.”. This is exactly what happens with fructose and cancer cells.
Correlation between fructose and tumor growth: the results of an American study
Indeed, when ingested, this sugar is transformed by the liver into nutrients appreciated by the tumors. In the magazine Naturethe researchers will provide more details by explaining that in this case, it is the liver cells which, fed with fructose, will release the lipids called lysophosphatidychlolines or LPC. These will circulate in the blood and feed the cancer cells which are just waiting for that. So, to grow, they need a lot of lipids. However, they can synthesize them themselves, but find it easier to take advantage of those that circulate freely in their environment, reports Futura-Sciences.
Ultra-processed foods and their impact on health
Ultra-processed foods and their impact on diabetes and obesity
Numerous studies have revealed that high consumption of ultra-processed foods can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes by 37 to 44%, reports Dinno Health. Indeed, for many years, these foods have invaded the markets and take an important place in the diet. A increased consumption associated with growth in obesity. A recent study shows that mental health is not as spared by the consumption of these foods.
How to recognize ultra-processed foods
To spot an ultra-processed food, simply read the list of its ingredients. As a little tip, the longer the list, the more processed food it is. Beyond five ingredientsthere is more than a half chance that the food is ultra-processed. In addition, you also have to pay attention to the sugar content. Also be wary of packaging too colorful, nutritional claims that attract attention and distract you from the true nature of the food.
Studies to find therapeutic avenues
The objective of scientific studies is to find therapeutic avenues and to raise awareness about certain behaviors. This study on ultra-processed foods and fructose therefore aims to raise awareness among populations of all ages about the existence of a link between this simple sugar and cancer cells. Thus, this work could not only pave the way towards therapeutic solutionsbut allow populations to avoid the consumption of ultra-processed foods as much as possible.
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