The Role of Sugar in Causing Cancer

Individuals diagnosed with cancer are now paying close attention to their diet more than ever before. At the cancer treatment center, each patient is restricted to certain foods, sugar being one of the most restricted. One of the many concerns related to diet and nutrition for cancer patients is to limit sugar intake to as much as 90%.rnIt applies to everyone; even people with good health should learn to limit their sugar consumption to reduce risks of cancer. The Role of Carbohydrates or Carbs Carbohydrates, commonly known as carbs, are typical nutrients present in the foods that we normally eat, foods containing carbs are fruit, grains, vegetables, milk, and sweets. Sweets include candy, sodas, fruit drinks and desserts. The body is designed to break down carbohydrates into sugar that becomes the main source of energy. This sugar, also called glucose, becomes the fuel for the body.rnTo use sugar as fuel, the body requires insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the body. It helps the body in moving glucose from your bloodstream to cells, to be used as energy. Cancer Cells and Sugar Cancer cells can grow and derive energy from carbohydrates, too. So, you may think that it is best to stop having carbs; however, people who do this suffer eventually. The body can convert other nutrients into sugar and use it as energy in the absence of carbs. Although the process is difficult for the body, it has to operate. Furthermore, starving the cancer cells would mean that your healthy cells are also starving. The growth of cancer cells depends on the types of carbs you consume. There are different types of carbs having different effects on the level of blood glucose. The GI (Glycemic Index) was designed to rank different carbs by their affect on the level of blood sugar. Carbohydrates that can cause the blood sugar levels to increase rapidly after consuming have higher GI. Carbohydrates having gradual effect on the level of blood sugar after eating have lower GI. Eating foods with higher GI can increase the risk of various diseases, which includes cancer. These foods also cause the body to secrete more insulin along with other substances that lead to the development as well as spread of these cancer cells. Carbohydrates to Eat Since removing carbohydrates from your diet will not lead to starving cancer cells, it is advised that people should choose healthier carbs in correct portions to suffice the body’s demands. Eating healthier carbs along with healthy proteins and fats can be extremely beneficial for health. It will slow down the process of carbohydrate digestion and entrance of sugars into the cells. The diet of any cancer treatment center follows these regulations so that patients can recover rapidly. The best sources of carbs are: • Lentils and beansrn• Soy nutsrn• Nuts and nut buttersrn• Avocadoesrn• Healthy oils like olive oil or canola oilrn• Coldwater fish like albacore, mackerel and salmonrn• Protein powders formulated with brown rice, soy or wheyrn• Nonfat or plain yogurt Maintaining blood sugar levels and sugar intake can ease cancer complications.