Does eating sugar raise my risk for cancer?

Sugar is found in many popular foods and drinks in your grocery store. The frequency of new studies about sugar and cancer can be confusing. Here’s what you need to know about sugar and its effects on your health.

Does sugar cause cancer?

Contrary to popular belief, sugar does not directly cause cancer. Our cells need sugar for energy. Sugar exists in a variety of foods, ranging from nutritious fruits and vegetables to unhealthy candies and drinks.

Excess sugar intake can lead to unhealthy weight gain. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of for eight common cancers:

• Breast.
• Colorectal.
• Esophageal.
• Gallbladder.
• Kidney.
• Liver.
• Pancreatic.
• Uterine.

Artificial sweeteners vs. natural sweeteners

Experts advise choosing whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and dairy for your sugar intake. These foods provide essential nutrients like fiber, calcium, and antioxidants while lowering the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.

On the other hand, artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame and sucralose, are much sweeter than natural sugars. They're used to cut calories or manage blood sugar levels but can trigger cravings for more sweet foods, potentially leading to consuming too many calories and unhealthy weight gain.

Recent studies have raised concerns about artificial sweeteners and their potential links to cardiovascular disease and cancer. The FDA reviews safety studies for these sweeteners, indicating no current evidence of cancer risks. Nonetheless, ongoing research is needed to assess their impact on weight control and overall health.

Learn more about the effects of artificial sweeteners on heart health.

Impact of sweet beverages

Sugary beverages are the main sources of added sugars in American diets. Consuming one sugary drink a day, without reducing calories from other parts of your diet, can lead to gaining around five pounds a year.

While drinks like fruit smoothies and 100% fruit juices provide more vitamins and minerals than artificially sweetened drinks, they are sources of calories and sugar. The best way to get a little

flavor into your beverages is to make fruit-infused water, where you put fruits into a pitcher of water and let the fruit flavor seep out into the water.

Lowering risk of cancer with diet

A healthy diet can help lower your risk of cancer and help you achieve your healthy weight. The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends

• Eating a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and beans.
• Limiting processed foods and sugary drinks.
• Limiting red and processed meats.
• Making time for physical activity.

Eat the rainbow for a nutritious diet