Eating a family-sized bag of chips every day can increase your risk of throat and mouth cancer by 25 percent, according to a study.
Researchers found that cancer risk increased when people ate just 350 grams of highly processed foods a day over a ten-year period – the equivalent of a large bag of crisps or half a bag of Skittles.
This amount was associated with a 20 percent higher risk of head and neck cancer and a 25 percent higher risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer that grows in the lining of the esophagus.
Previous research suggests that the link between cancer risk and junk food can be explained by the fact that these high-calorie products can cause harmful weight gain.
However, the latest study suggests an alternative mechanism, as obesity was only a factor in a small proportion of cancer cases.
People who ate 10 percent more ultra-processed foods than the average person – or 350 grams per day – had a 23 percent higher risk of developing head and neck cancer. This is equivalent to eating 20 chicken nuggets, 16 Reese’s Cups and one serving of chips a day
Instead, researchers at the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom say the disease may be due to harmful changes in gut flora as well as possible hormonal effects.
Dr. David Katz, a specialist in preventive and lifestyle medicine who was not involved in the study, told CNN: “If UPFs contribute to cancer risk, they do so in a small way by contributing to obesity and in many to ‘ to a greater extent through other mechanisms.” .
“What could it be? Diet-related inflammation; disruption of the microbiome; adverse epigenetic effects; and many other possibilities come to mind.”
Highly processed foods such as soft drinks, chips, nuggets, candy and baked goods contain many ingredients, most of which are rarely used in the kitchen.
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They also contain additives such as artificial colors and preservatives that help the food stay fresh longer.
These types of foods also tend to be high in calories, sugar, salt and fat, increasing the likelihood of weight gain when consumed regularly.
The new study, published in the The European Journal of Nutrition analyzed diet and lifestyle data from 450,111 adults who participated in a larger European study.
The so-called European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) is one of the largest studies in Europe and recruited participants from 23 centers in 11 European countries between 1992 and 1999.
For the new work, researchers examined cancer incidence in participants with a high intake of processed foods over a 14-year period—and compared the results to those who ate little of it.
Interestingly, greater waist-to-hip ratio—a measure of obesity—explained only five percent of the 23 percent increased risk of head and neck cancer.
Meanwhile, an increase in body mass index (BMI) over the study period explained 13 percent of the increased risk of esophageal cancer, while waist-to-hip ratio explained 15 percent.
However, the results do not show a direct cause; It is possible that other factors may cause the increased risk of cancer. Those who eat large amounts of junk food are also more likely to smoke and drink alcohol – known causes of throat and mouth cancer.
Speaking about the results, study leader Fernanda Morales Berstein told DailyMail.com: “Replacing any amount of highly processed food in the diet with less processed food can reduce the risk of upper respiratory and digestive tract cancer.”
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
