A New Study Establishes a Connection Between Cancer and Ultra-Processed Foods: Opt for Healthier Alternatives.

 A recent research conducted by the University of Bristol indicates that consuming a substantial amount of ultra-processed food items, such as hot dogs, potato chips, and carbonated beverages, could potentially elevate the likelihood of developing mouth and throat cancers.

New research conducted by the University of Bristol in the UK and the International Agency for Research on Cancer has found that consuming a high amount of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) can increase the risk of mouth and throat cancer. The study involved analyzing the dietary habits and lifestyles of nearly half a million individuals over a ten-year period. The findings revealed that individuals who consumed more UPFs, such as potato chips, candy, breakfast cereals, chicken nuggets, hot dogs, and fizzy drinks, had a higher risk of developing head, neck, and esophageal cancers. Specifically, the risk of head and neck cancer was 23 percent higher, while the risk of esophageal cancer was estimated to be 24 percent higher. The researchers suggested that this increased risk was not solely due to higher body fat levels but could also be attributed to factors like the additives present in UPFs. However, the study acknowledged potential biases and emphasized the need for further research. Professor George Davey Smith, one of the co-authors of the study, highlighted that while UPFs are associated with various negative health outcomes, it remains unclear whether they directly cause these outcomes or if other factors like general health-related behaviors and socioeconomic status play a role.

The association between processed foods and the risk of developing cancer.

This research is not the first to establish a connection between processed foods and a heightened risk of cancer. In February 2023, the Imperial School of Public Health conducted a study that also associated ultra-processed foods (UPFs) with an elevated risk of various types of cancer, including breast and ovarian cancer.

According to Kiara Chang, PhD, the lead author of the study, our bodies may not respond in the same manner to ultra-processed ingredients and additives as they do to fresh and minimally processed foods that are rich in nutrients. She emphasizes that ultra-processed foods are widely available and heavily marketed, often with low prices and appealing packaging, which encourages their consumption. This highlights the urgent need for reform in our food environment to safeguard the population against the harmful effects of ultra-processed foods.

Furthermore, research has demonstrated a correlation between processed meat products and an increased likelihood of developing colorectal cancer and prostate cancer. The World Health Organization has even classified items such as bacon, sausages, and ham as Group One carcinogens.

The demonstrated advantages of whole foods derived from plants.

In contrast to ultra-processed foods (UPFs), plant-based whole foods such as beans, vegetables, fruits, seeds, legumes, tofu, and grains have been associated with a decreased risk of cancer, as well as other conditions like heart disease, Alzheimer's, and type 2 diabetes.

According to Jacqueline Wyman, MS, RDN, CDN, whole foods provide the full benefits of fiber and protein, along with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. She explains that by choosing a plant-based diet, one can easily meet the recommended daily intake of 25-38 grams of fiber, as all plant foods naturally contain fiber. Fiber plays a crucial role in promoting regular bowel movements, eliminating excess cholesterol, metabolites of estrogen, and other toxins from the body.

As mentioned in the aforementioned studies, UPFs appear to have more negative effects than positive ones. In a systematic review conducted in 2020, 37 out of 43 studies found a correlation between UPF consumption and various negative health outcomes, including overweight, obesity, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, overall cancers, breast cancer, IBS, depression, and mortality.

The USDA suggests that UPFs may have less detrimental effects on health if they are predominantly vegan, such as canned baked beans. This is likely due to their lower levels of saturated fat and added sugar, while still being rich in essential micronutrients and macronutrients.

Replacing processed animal meat with plant-based alternatives has also been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease.

However, it is important to emphasize that when it comes to health, plant-based, minimally processed, whole foods consistently prove to be superior. This is not only attributed to their fiber content but also because plants are naturally high in antioxidants, which can help counteract the harmful effects of free radicals in the body, potentially preventing the development of diseases.

Dima Salhoobi, RD, CDN, MS, the owner of Fresh Nutrition Counseling, highlights that disease prevention and healthy living can begin with simple ingredient swaps at home.