Recent studies reveal a troubling link between the Western diet and a heightened risk of colorectal cancer. Chronic inflammation caused by unhealthy food choices may pave the way for tumor growth. A shift toward natural, anti-inflammatory foods could significantly reduce these risks and promote better health outcomes.Ultra-Processed Foods and Cancer RiskGroundbreaking research from the University of South Florida (USF) and Tampa General Hospital Cancer Institute shows that ultra-processed foods may contribute to the development of colorectal cancer.
The Western diet, characterized by processed foods, added sugars, and inflammatory oils, is identified as a significant driver of chronic inflammation—a key factor in cancer progression.Funded by a $3.1 million grant from the National Institutes of Health, this five-year project has made significant strides in understanding colorectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S.
Published in the journal Gut, the findings reveal that processed foods impair the body’s ability to heal, potentially accelerating tumor growth.How Inflammation Fuels Cancer“Unhealthy diets increase inflammation in the body,” explains Dr. Timothy Yeatman, a leading physician-scientist at USF Health Morsani College of Medicine.
“We now see this inflammation in colon tumors, which act like chronic wounds that fail to heal. Consuming ultra-processed foods daily suppresses the immune system, making it harder for the body to recover and allowing cancer to thrive.”
The Dangers of the Western DietThe Western diet poses significant health risks due to its reliance on:Added sugars
Saturated fats
Ultra-processed foods
Chemicals and inflammatory seed oils
Previous research by the USF Health Heart Institute has linked poor dietary habits to numerous health conditions, including Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, alongside colorectal cancer.
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