A high carbohydrate diet mayelevate more than just weight. Findings of a new study suggest that a diet highin carbohydrates may heighten a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer.Researchers from the Harvard
School of Public Health and theInstituto Salud Publica in Cuernavaca, Mexico conducted a study of Mexicanwomen whose dietary habits included a high consumption of carbohydrates, suchas tortillas, bread and sodas.
Researchers noted elevatedlevels of insulin in the blood, which started a biological process.
This process promotedcancer-causing cells to grow exponentially, elevating estrogen levels in theblood and encouraging cancer in pre-menopausal women.
S. Teala Johnson, a seniorchemistry major from Toledo, Ohio said, “Yes, I have heard of the study becauseI am an advocate for cancer awareness. My grandfather and aunt both died as aresult of breast cancer and my grandfather also had diabetes which escalatedhis breast cancer.”
Fructose and sucrose manifestedthe greatest relationship to breast cancer risks because they both caused arapid increase in blood sugar levels producing cancer-causing effects in studyparticipants.
Fructose is a natural sugar thatis found in fruit and honey. Sucrose, commonly known as table sugar, is used tosweeten food and beverages.
Diets consisting of too muchsugar provide empty calories, whereas, diets containing complex carbohydratessuch as fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain products contain lots of vitamins,minerals and other nutrients conducive to a healthy diet.
“Obesity is also linked to anincreased risk of breast cancer especially for pre-menopausal women whoseweight gain, which occurred during young adulthood, was concentrated in thewaist area,” said local physician, Dr. Kenyatta Shamlin, Pediatrics &Internal Medicine, Baton Rouge Family Medical Clinic. “It is wise to limit theintake of refined sugars in favor of more nutritious foods. The main source ofcarbohydrates should be whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes.
“It is best to maintain ahealthy weight, limit red meats and choose foods from plant sources thatrepresent at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day.”
She added that when choosinggrain products, look for those that list ‘whole grain’ as a first ingredient onthe labeling list.
“Carbs consume a lot of mydiet,” said Samantha Kelly, freshman biology major from Homer. “When I snack Isometimes find myself eating a lot of junk food especially in between classes.”
Although carbohydrates are thebody’s main source of energy, in excess, they can also become the culprit toother health problems, including weight gain, obesity, and diabetes. Familyhistory of breast cancer, sedentary lifestyles, and diets high in saturated fatalso place women at risk for breast cancer.
Experts and nutritionists agree,women who include fiber, grains, fruit and vegetables in their daily diets canreduce their breast cancer risks significantly.
