Saturday, April 26, 2025

Snack Attack: How Your Favorite Processed Treats Could Lead to Cancer

A new study released on December 10th revealed that ultra-processed foods, such as snacks, significantly increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Researchers found that inflammatory fat molecules in ultra-processed foods suppress the immune system responsible for healing wounds, allowing cancer to grow. / Reuters
A new study released on December 10th revealed that ultra-processed foods, such as snacks, significantly increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Researchers found that inflammatory fat molecules in ultra-processed foods suppress the immune system, responsible for healing wounds and allowing cancer to grow. / Reuters

Scientists confirmed that ultra-processed foods increase cancer risk.

Snacks and other ultra-processed foods contain fat molecules that trigger inflammation, raising the risk of colorectal cancer.

The Financial Times reported on December 10th that research containing these findings was published in the medical journal Gut.

Timothy Yeatman, co-author of the study and professor of surgery at the University of South Florida, explained, “Cancer is like a chronic wound that won’t heal. If you frequently consume ultra-processed foods, its ability to heal that wound decreases due to inflammation and suppression of the immune system that ultimately allows the cancer to grow.”

The research team analyzed 162 tissue samples from cancer patients at Tampa General Hospital, focusing on small fat molecules called “lipids.”

The samples from cancerous tissues contained significantly higher levels of lipids that cause inflammation compared to the adjacent healthy cells. These inflammatory lipids are commonly found in ultra-processed foods.

Yeatman noted that the high consumption of ultra-processed foods in the United States likely indicates higher levels of these lipids in Americans’ bodies.

The study also found that cancer patients’ tissue cells lacked lipids that help reduce inflammation, which are abundant in fish and nuts.

“The human immune system can be extremely powerful and can drastically impact the tumor micro-environment,” Yeatman stated. “Maintaining a healthy immune system is crucial in suppressing cancer.”

He emphasized, “However when inflammatory lipids from processed foods suppress the immune system, it can’t function effectively.”

Colorectal cancer, now linked to ultra-processed food consumption, is the third most common cancer worldwide.

The World Health Organization’s Global Cancer Observatory reported 1.9 million new cases of colorectal cancer across 185 countries in 2022, with 900,000 related deaths.

Alarmingly, the American Cancer Society (ACS) has reported an increase in colorectal cancer cases among individuals under 55, which has been increasing by 1-2% annually since the mid-1990s.

This research is likely to draw attention from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the nominee for U.S. Health Secretary, who has criticized the food industry for raising the obesity rates in the U.S. and hinted at potential regulations.

Kennedy’s nomination may provide additional leverage to address concerns within the food industry.

Hot this week

Bessent Sets Agenda for U.S.–Japan Trade Talks: No Yen Target, Just Tariff Strategy

U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent outlines trade talks with Japan, focusing on tariffs and trade deficit, avoiding currency targets.

Markets Rebound Strongly on Hopes of U.S.–China ‘Big Deal’ and Tesla Turnaround

The New York stock market rallied for the second day, driven by optimism in U.S.-China trade talks and strong tech stock performances.

Oil Prices Fall as OPEC+ Signals June Production Hike

Oil prices fell sharply after a surge due to U.S. sanctions on Iran, as OPEC+ considers increasing production rates in June.

AI Politeness Has a Cost: Saying ‘Thank You’ to AI Adds to Energy and Water Consumption

Users thanking AI may lead to increased energy consumption, as polite interactions raise server loads and electricity costs significantly.

Dow Soars Over 1,000 Points as U.S.-China Trade Hopes Lift Markets

U.S. stock indices surged over 2.5% as optimism grew for a U.S.-China trade deal, while Tesla faced mixed reactions post-earnings.

Topics

Bessent Sets Agenda for U.S.–Japan Trade Talks: No Yen Target, Just Tariff Strategy

U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent outlines trade talks with Japan, focusing on tariffs and trade deficit, avoiding currency targets.

Markets Rebound Strongly on Hopes of U.S.–China ‘Big Deal’ and Tesla Turnaround

The New York stock market rallied for the second day, driven by optimism in U.S.-China trade talks and strong tech stock performances.

Oil Prices Fall as OPEC+ Signals June Production Hike

Oil prices fell sharply after a surge due to U.S. sanctions on Iran, as OPEC+ considers increasing production rates in June.

AI Politeness Has a Cost: Saying ‘Thank You’ to AI Adds to Energy and Water Consumption

Users thanking AI may lead to increased energy consumption, as polite interactions raise server loads and electricity costs significantly.

Dow Soars Over 1,000 Points as U.S.-China Trade Hopes Lift Markets

U.S. stock indices surged over 2.5% as optimism grew for a U.S.-China trade deal, while Tesla faced mixed reactions post-earnings.

Oil Snaps Back: U.S. Sanctions on Iran Fuel Fresh Price Surge

Oil prices surged after U.S. sanctions on Iran, despite previous declines due to market sentiment influenced by Trump’s criticism of the Fed.

Conclave Set to Begin as Vatican Mourns Pope Francis; Korean Cardinal Among Electors

Pope Francis's funeral is set to be modest, with a conclave to elect his successor commencing next month. Cardinal You will participate.

Trump-Powell Fallout Roils Markets: Dow Plunges 972 Points, Tesla Drops Nearly 6%

The NYSE faced a major sell-off as doubts about the Fed's independence led to sharp declines in major tech stocks and the dollar.

Related Articles