The facts about sugar and cancer

According to the Global Fund for Cancer Research and the Global Fund for Cancer Research, we could avoid about 3 common cancer types out of 10 if we change certain eating habits and lifestyle habits. American Institute of Cancer Research. A good starting point, they recommend, is to follow a balanced diet and avoid tobacco and excess alcohol.

What about sugar? Does not it feed the cancer cells? It's safe. And it also nourishes healthy cells. Even if we completely avoid all carbohydrates (sugars and starches that break down into sugar), our body would use proteins in another recipe to make glucose (sugar) to fuel our cells. It is therefore not true that we can starve cancer cells if we avoid all sugar.

This is only the beginning of our confusion about sugar and cancer, according to an article by nutritionist Karen Collins in a recent issue of Environmental Nutrition .

Too much sugar – no sugar per se – puts us at increased risk for certain cancers, say experts

. We know for example, according to a large recent study in France, that the more we eat "ultra-processed" foods, the more our risk is to develop cancer. Basically, these are the ones that line the shelves of most convenience stores. They are in one package and the main ingredients are fat, sugar and salt and not much else.

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The confusion, says Collins, explains why heavily processed foods contain a lot of sugar. Here are some facts:

Too much sugar – not the sugar itself – puts us at increased risk of certain cancers, experts say. This is because high sugar intakes (such as when you drink a soft drink) go quickly into the bloodstream. This causes the pancreas to secrete an insulin load to tame the influx of sugar into the bloodstream. According to the researchers, it is the high levels of insulin, not just the high sugar levels, that stimulate the growth of cancer cells.

The excess sugar, like the 240 calories contained in this soft drink (about 16 teaspoons) excellent vehicle to get a load of calories in our bodies. The extra calories are easily converted into extra love handles. And this increase in body fat increases our risk for many types of cancer.

So why does the American Institute for Cancer Research and other experts recommend limiting foods and beverages that contain added sugar? To keep our weight under control and make room for a variety of foods we know to be protective against cancer such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans.

Here is an easy way to start. Take the time to read the label, even if you are in a hurry and hungry. No fiber? No vitamins, minerals or proteins? Added sugar, salt and fat the best ingredients? Put it down, back slowly and run to find water, nuts or fruit.

Barbara Quinn is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator.

– Sydney Morning Herald