The carbohydrate-cancer link

A study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Mile Markers, and Prevention presents evidence of a link between the consumption of refined carbohydrates and cancer incidence. This controlled study looked at the dietary habits of over 1,800 women in Mexico and found that women who got 57 percent or more of their total energy intake from carbohydrates showed a 220 percent higher risk of breast cancer than women with more balanced diets. The study found that foods with a high glycemic index actually accelerate the growth of tumors and cancerous cells in the body.

Researchers involved with the study think that the seeming correlation between the consumption of refined carbohydrates and breast cancer could be related to elevated levels of insulin due to the fact that many breast cancer tumors are encouraged and supported by high levels of insulin in the body. It actually promotes many forms of cancer, including colon cancer.

Unfortunately, many people still do not know that consuming refined carbohydrates is believed to contribute to the incidence of cancer; thus, they continue to drink soft drinks containing high-fructose corn syrup, they continue to eat breakfast cereals loaded with sugars and they continue to eat large amounts of white flour in products such as breads, pastries, cookies and crackers.

It is recommended that you should avoid processed carbohydrates as much as you can. At the same time, you should also avoid chemical additives that are found in processed foods, especially artificial sweeteners and chemical taste enhancers, to avoid trading one bad for another. The foods that you should be consuming to support outstanding human health are the same ones we’ve been talking about for years: natural foods found in nature, such as whole grains, nuts, seeds, vegetables, fruits and healthy oils.

Coming next week: “Diabetes, Cardiovascular disease and consumption of refined carbohydrates.”

1. The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only.

2. Your individual health status and any required healthcare treatments can only be properly addressed by a professional healthcare provider of your choice. Remember: there is no adequate substitution for a personal consultation with your chosen healthcare provider. Therefore, we encourage you to make your own healthcare decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.