What foods do and don’t pose cancer risk

By Karen Collins
Posted on March 17, 2017

About a third of America’s most common cancers can be prevented through healthy eating, regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research.

But the wide range of cancer myths can make it hard to figure out what those healthy eating choices involve. Here are some common questions and their answers.

1. Does sugar “feed” cancer?

All cells in our body use sugar for fuel, and many (but not all) cancer cells take up blood sugar more rapidly than healthy cells.

However, avoiding sugar doesn’t necessarily protect against cancer, because blood sugar comes from carbohydrate foods, too.

When all carbohydrate is limited, the body has mechanisms to keep blood sugar within a relatively narrow range. Chronic high blood sugar, however, may increase cancer risk by prompting higher levels of insulin and certain growth factors.

Also, high sugar intake can promote weight gain and perhaps lead to changes in gut bacteria and inflammation.

Smart move: Keep blood sugar and insulin levels controlled with a healthy weight, regular exercise, and a healthful diet that avoids big loads of carbohydrate at once, particularly sugars and refined grains.