(Mirror Daily, United States) – According to a recently published study, ultra-processed foods or foods that contain ingredients with weird names and are usually unrecognizable by common people can increase risk of overall cancer by more than 10%.
The research, which appeared Wednesday in the mainstream medical journal BMJ, suggests that people who eat too much of these foods are at a higher risk of cancer than their counterparts that don’t enjoy this class of foods.
Past research has even linked processed foods to risk of colorectal cancer. Ultra-processed foods, however, seem to be a lot more dangerous. They also contain lots of unhealthy sugars, calories, and salt. This is why they have been also linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and circulation issues.
In their study, the research team sifted through the dietary records of more than 100,000 respondents in France. Each respondent agreed to record their favorite foods and the frequency of consumption.
Ultra-Processed Foods Tied to 10% Higher Cancer Risk
Scientists found that people who ate 10% more ultra-processed foods were at an equal or higher risk of developing breast cancer and overall cancer. The study also found a link between foods with too much added sugar including soda and higher risk of breast cancer.
Also, respondents who indulged more in ultra-processed foods were more likely to smoke and be sedentary. The study was adjusted for these issues and other factors that may influence cancer risk and the link between cancer and ultra-processed foods was still there.
Senior author Mathilde Touvier noted that the study results were “quite surprising” and so was the strength of the association. She underlined that the team adjusted the research for the so called cofounding factors, and the findings remained concerning.
Researchers not involved in the study cautioned that the causes of cancer are far more complex so other lifestyle choice may have caused the disease in study participants, not just their diet.
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