Sugar and Cancer: Let’s take a look at the scientific basis for the explanation.
Recently, there has been a lot of talk, especially on the Internet, about how eating sugar can cause cancer. I have heard such a thing among my acquaintances and at work.
I tried to find out how dangerous “sugar” is, which is not easy to avoid when eating out.
I can tell you in conclusion that, based on scientific evidence, sugar alone cannot be said to cause cancer.
Let’s take a closer look at that.
Research on Sugar and Cancer Risk
Some studies have linked sugar intake to cancer risk.
One I found was a large study published in 2017 that showed a slight increase in overall cancer risk for those who consumed more sugary beverages.
However, these studies are only observational and do not prove that sugar intake is directly responsible for cancer. It is also possible that these studies did not take into account other factors such as weight or exercise habits.
Therefore, it is not clear whether sugar intake is a direct cause.
Sugar’s impact on cancer
High sugar intake increases the risk of lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity and diabetes.
These lifestyle diseases are known factors that increase the risk of cancer.
Sugar stimulates the secretion of insulin.
Insulin is a hormone that promotes cell growth. Therefore, high sugar intake may promote the growth of cancer cells.
Illnesses likely to be caused by sugar
1. obesity
Sugar is a high-calorie food, and excessive consumption can easily lead to weight gain.
Obesity has been shown to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, dyslipidemia, sleep apnea, and cancer (uterine, colon, pancreatic, and breast cancer).
2. Diabetes
Excessive sugar intake causes insulin resistance and increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that can lead to complications such as vascular disease, neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy.
3. heart disease
Excessive sugar intake can increase LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and decrease HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
These changes can lead to atherosclerosis and clot formation, increasing the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke.
4. hypertension
Excessive sugar intake can increase the amount of sodium in the body and raise blood pressure.
High blood pressure is a chronic condition that increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.
5. dyslipidemia
Excessive sugar intake can increase triglyceride and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and decrease HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
These lipid abnormalities can lead to atherosclerosis and clot formation, increasing the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke.
6. sleep apnea syndrome
Excessive sugar intake leads to obesity and increases the risk of sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is a disease in which breathing stops during sleep and has been shown to increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
7. cancer
Studies have suggested a link between excessive sugar intake and certain cancers, but no conclusions can be drawn at this time.
Researchers are conducting further studies to determine how sugar may play a role in cancer development.
8. other diseases
Studies have shown that excessive sugar intake may increase the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, skin irritation, aging, and cognitive decline.
Recommended sugar content
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a sugar intake for adults of no more than 50 g (about 12 teaspoons) per day. However, this is only a guideline, and the appropriate intake varies depending on an individual’s health status and activity level.
Negative effects of sugar
1. adverse effects on skin
- Accelerated skin aging: Excessive sugar intake accelerates the production of aging substances called Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs), which destroy elastic skin fibers such as collagen and elastin, causing wrinkles, sagging and dull skin.
- Acne and pimples: Excessive sugar intake causes a spike in blood sugar levels, which in turn increases sebum production. Excessive sebum secretion can lead to clogged pores and inflammation, causing acne and pimples.
2. adverse effects on the psyche
- Mood swings: Excessive sugar intake can cause blood sugar levels to spike and plummet, leading to mood swings, difficulty concentrating, and irritability.
- Dependence: Sugar stimulates the release of dopamine, a pleasure chemical in the brain. Dopamine is a substance that can cause addiction, and excessive sugar intake can lead to sugar addiction.
3. other adverse effects
- Osteoporosis: Excessive sugar intake interferes with calcium absorption, and a well-balanced diet and moderate exercise are important for cancer prevention. There are two main causes of osteoporosis
- Immune system weakening: Excessive intake of sugar can weaken the function of immune cells, and it is important to have a well-balanced diet and moderate exercise to prevent cancer.
- Cavities: Sugar feeds cavity-causing bacteria, causing tooth decay. 4.
4. sugar alternatives
To reduce excessive sugar intake, the following sugar substitutes can be used
Natural sweeteners: Natural sweeteners such as stevia, lakanka, and erythritol contain fewer calories than sugar and do not affect blood sugar levels.
Fruits: Fruits are rich in natural sweeteners and fiber.
Herbs and spices: Herbs and spices can add sweetness to food and reduce the amount of sugar.
conclusion
Based on the information available at this time, it cannot be said that sugar alone causes cancer.
Although some studies suggest a link between sugar intake and cancer risk, the results of these studies are for reference only and should not be interpreted in a definitive manner.
To prevent cancer, it is important to eat a well-balanced diet and exercise moderately.