New cases of colorectal cancer account for nearly ten percent of all new cancer cases diagnosed each year, and eight percent of all cancer deaths worldwide. Although medical researchers have known for some time that tumor cell propagation is fueled primary by glucose, a scant amount of scientific evidence exists to demonstrate that consumption of sugar laden foods promotes the growth and metastasis of cancer cells. A research study team from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, publishing the result of their findings about dietary sugars and colon cancer incidence from the Scottish Colorectal Cancer Study, reveal that the consumption of sodas, cakes, biscuits, snacks and desserts is linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer (bowel cancer). Amazingly, this is the first study of its kind to analyze and provide solid evidence to establish a link between bowel cancer and high sugar and fat diets.

Sweetened Beverages and Foods Found to Stimulate the Growth of Cancerous Colon Lesions

To conduct their study, the research team analyzed the diets of 2,063 patients suffering from bowel cancer and contrasted against 2, 776 control subjects from Scotland. The scientists built on past studies that have distinguished between two different dietary styles, the first being a diet high in healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables, and the other diet high in meat, fat and sugar. The team analyzed more than 170 foods, including fruits, vegetables, fish and meat, as well as chocolate, nuts, crisps and fruit drinks.

Healthy eating habits reduce risk

Researchers found that the dietary style most closely associated with healthy eating habits that included plenty of natural vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and fats such as olive oil yielded a significant reduction in colorectal cancer risk. Study author, Dr. Evropi Theodoratou commented “Previous research has linked the development of the disease with high consumption of processed meat, but this is the first time that a link with high energy snacks and drinks has been observed.”

Therapeutic value of fish oil

The researchers noted that past studies have found that higher amounts of dietary fiber added to the diet can result in a 25 to 40 percent lower risk of developing colorectal cancer, and consumption of fatty fish or fish oil supplements can independently lower the risk by one-third. Dr. Theodoratou concluded “While the positive associations between a diet high in sugar and fat and colorectal cancer do not automatically imply 'cause and effect', it is important to take on board what we've found – especially as people in industrialized countries are consuming more of these foods." Drastically reducing the amount of sugary foods and hydrogenated fats in the diet not only helps with weight management issues, but is now shown to slash the risk of developing colorectal cancer.

About the author:

Mr Vitamins guest author, John Phillip is a USA-based Nutritional Consultant and Health Researcher  who writes regularly on the cutting edge use of diet, lifestyle modifications and targeted supplementation to enhance and improve the quality and length of life. Sources for this article include: http://www.srsm.org/members/Past%20Meetings/2008/presentations/Scottish%20Study%20of%20Colorectal%20Cancer.pdf http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263392.php http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/07/130715105427.htm