THESE FOODS BOOST MEN’S CANCER RISK!
MEN who regularly consume high amounts of ultra-processed grub have 29 percent higher odds of developing colorectal cancer than guys who rarely eat the stuff, experts say.
Scientists at Tufts and Harvard universities analyzed the dietary intake and health data of nearly 160,000 women and 46,000 men over 25 years. They found dudes who often downed ready-to-eat meals — especially those containing sausages, bacon and ham — had the strongest association with the deadly disease.
In addition, the team found excessive consumption of sugar-laden beverages — including sodas, fruit-based drinks and sweetened milks — hot dogs, cookies, cold cuts and packaged cakes was linked to increased rates of the disease in men.
The researchers point out highly processed foods are often loaded with added sugars and are usually low in fiber, which contributes to weight gain and obesity. Carrying too many pounds is a known risk for colorectal cancer, the scientists say.
Tufts’ Dr. Fang Fang Zhang notes not all commercially made foods appear to have the same impact and differences presented among males and females.
“We found an inverse association between ultraprocessed dairy foods like yogurt and colorectal cancer risk among women,” explains Zhang.
She suggests products like yogurt may counteract the harmful impact of other types of unhealthy foods on gals.
Harvard’s Dr. Mingyang Song stresses more research is needed to determine if there is a “true sex difference” in health issues caused by diet.
Zhang says there are many variables at play, including the potential role of food additives in altering gut microbes and promoting inflammation, as well as contaminants possibly leaching from food packaging.