Unveiling the Link Between Colorectal Cancer and Ultra-Processed Foods: A Troubling Revelation
Ingredient in Cancerous Tumors Identified in Processed Foods
Colorectal cancer, a global health concern, ranks third in terms of prevalence and second in terms of mortality from cancer.
A persistent inflammation ups the cancer risk, but colorectal cancer presents an intriguing scenario — ultra-processed foods don't just increase the risk; they seem to 'feed' it.
The Wound That Refuses to Heal
Earlier research from Tufts and Harvard Universities had indicated that men ramping up their consumption of ultra-processed foods could boost their risk of colorectal cancer by close to 30 percent. Recent studies have shed light on the mechanism behind this startling discovery.
Ultra-processed foods, along with inflammatory seed oils commonly used in packaged food products, might contribute to chronic inflammation, which fuels colorectal cancer.
Dr. Timothy Yeatman, a distinguished physician-scientist and professor, explained, "Patients with unhealthy diets show increased inflammation in their bodies. We've found this inflammation in the colon tumors themselves. Cancer is like a wound that won't heal. With bodies living on daily ultra-processed foods, the immune system's ability to heal the wound decreases due to inflammation and suppression, allowing cancer to thrive."
Examining the Lipid Trace
Researchers studied 162 tumor samples using advanced techniques to spot trace amounts of lipids. The results were striking: an excessive number of molecules that fuel inflammation and a deficit of those that promote healing were found.
In Dr. Yeatman's words, "Our immune system can be incredibly powerful, significantly impacting the tumor microenvironment. But when it's suppressed by inflammatory lipids from processed foods, it's not a positive development."
A Shift in Dietary Priorities
Since the colon serves as the last leg of the digestive system, it's essential to consider what you consume's impact on its health. "Our bodies carry natural capabilities to resolve inflammation through bioactive lipid compounds derived from healthy fats like avocados," said Ganesh Halade, associate professor at the USF Health Heart Institute.
However, when the diet consists of processed foods, the molecules derived from these foods directly imbalance the immune system and drive chronic inflammation, harming the body's cancer-fighting potential.
The Role of Seed Oils
When used in moderation and not subjected to high-temperature cooking, seed oils are generally safe. However, they're prevalent in ultra-processed foods and can exacerbate the problems associated with such diets.
The "hateful eight," a group of seed oils, including canola oil, corn oil, cottonseed, grapeseed oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, rice bran oil, and peanut oil, merit particular attention as they're frequently linked to colorectal cancer. Nutrition experts at the Cleveland Clinic attribute their potential harm to their high levels of omega-6 fats, which can cause inflammation.
Adopting a healthier, less-processed diet and mindful cooking practices can significantly lower the risk of colorectal cancer.
- Chronic inflammation, fueled by ultra-processed foods and inflammatory seed oils, appears to contribute to the development of colorectal cancer.
- The increased consumption of ultra-processed foods has been linked to an approximately 30% increased risk of colorectal cancer in men, according to earlier research.
- Researchers found an excessive number of molecules that promote inflammation and a deficit of those that promote healing in colorectal cancer tumor samples when studied with advanced techniques.
- Ultra-processed foods can disrupt the immune system's ability to resolve inflammation, potentially weakening the body's cancer-fighting capabilities.
- Seed oils, particularly the "hateful eight" group (such as canola oil and sunflower oil), are prevalent in ultra-processed foods and have been associated with colorectal cancer due to their high levels of omega-6 fats, which can cause inflammation.
