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Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Eating These Foods May Lower Liver Cancer Risk by Up to 51%, New Study Says
Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RDKey Points Diets rich in vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and omega-3s (like fish) may reduce liver cancer risk. Reducing processed meats, sugary beverages, saturated fats, and alcohol is crucial for liver health. The Mediterranean diet, focused on plant-based foods and healthy fats, has shown protective effects for liver carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer, making up more than 80% of cases worldwide and being the sixth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Major risk factors include having metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). MASLD, previously called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, is linked to fat buildup in the liver and other metabolic issues. Conditions like elevated cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure may increase your MASLD risk. With MASLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma cases expected to rise significantly, focusing on modifiable factors like diet and lifestyle could play a key role in prevention. Because of this, researchers conducted a review of the available data to determine links between dietary habits and liver cancer risk, and the results were published in Narrative Review. How Was This Study Conducted? To conduct this study, researchers used reports from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the 2018 World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF)/American Institute for Cancer Research (AIRC), to identify foods, dietary components, and contaminants that may increase the risk of liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma. To dig deeper, the researchers searched a medical research database for studies on certain foods and their connection to hepatocellular carcinoma, focusing on high-quality reviews and analyses. The strength of the link between each dietary factor and hepatocellular carcinoma was evaluated based on the quality of the research. What Did This Study Find? Certain foods and nutrients were found to influence the risk of developing liver cancer. For example, aflatoxins (toxins from fungi in contaminated food) and alcohol are strongly linked to an increased risk, while coffee likely lowers the risk, and fish may have a limited protective effect. The researchers also addressed several more key findings for particular foods. Let's break them down. Meat When it comes to meat, while The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified processed meats (like bacon and sausage) as cancer-causing to humans and red meats (like beef and pork) as probably cancer-causing, the researchers reported that there wasn't strong evidence linking overall meat consumption to liver cancer specifically. The researchers reported that, based on data they evaluated, people who eat white meat have a 24% lower risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, and those who eat fish have a 9% lower risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma. On the other hand, eating processed meat was linked to a 20% higher risk of liver cancer. No clear link was found between liver cancer risk and eating red meat or total meat overall. Fat Researchers found no clear link between overall fat intake and hepatocellular carcinoma, and there wasn't enough evidence to say whether a low-fat diet helps mitigate cancer risk. However, eating more omega-3 fatty acids, like those in fish and flaxseeds, may be linked to a 51% reduced risk of liver cancer. On the flip side, eating more saturated fats was linked to a 34% higher risk of liver cancer. No strong connections were found for other types of fats. Carbohydrates There was no clear evidence linking carbohydrate intake to hepatocellular carcinoma risk. Similarly, there wasn't quite enough proof to draw conclusions about glycemic index, or how quickly foods raise blood sugar. But some studies suggest that drinking sugar-sweetened beverages might double the risk of liver cancer, though other research found no such link. Cereals, Vegetables, Fruit, Pulses and Grains Besides the link between aflatoxins, or toxins from mold in contaminated grains and nuts, being strongly linked to a higher risk of liver cancer, there was no clear evidence connecting cereals, fruits, vegetables or vitamin C to liver cancer risk. The researchers noted that there wasn't much research to rely on for those connections. Some studies do suggest that eating more vegetables may lower the risk, though no significant link was found for fruits. A Chinese study hinted that tomatoes might reduce liver cancer risk, but further research found no connection to lycopene, a nutrient in tomatoes. Whole grains and fiber, particularly from grains and fruits, appear to offer protection. Regular fiber intake is associated with a 34% lower risk of liver cancer, with every 50 grams of daily fiber reducing the risk by 23%. Legumes, such as beans and lentils, may also lower the risk by 14%, with benefits seen at 8 to 40 grams per day. However, no significant links were found for refined grains or nut consumption. Micronutrients Certain antioxidant nutrients may help lower the risk of liver cancer. For example, vitamin E, folate, β-carotene and manganese have been linked to a reduced risk of liver cancer. On the other hand, people with low vitamin D levels may have more than double the risk of liver cancer. Additionally, higher levels of vitamin D in the blood were associated with a 47% lower risk of liver cancer. Dietary Patterns The Mediterranean diet, while not directly linked to reducing hepatocellular carcinoma risk, has strong evidence supporting its role in preventing weight gain, which may indirectly lower liver cancer risk. Higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with a 32% lower risk of liver cancer after adjusting for factors like body mass index, diabetes, and smoking. Other diets, such as the DASH diet and Healthy Eating Index, also showed protective effects, but the Mediterranean diet had the strongest and most consistent results. Additionally, vegetable-based diets were linked to a lower risk of liver cancer, while Western-style diets (high in processed foods and sugar) were associated with an increased risk. Limitations and Considerations This study highlights important links between dietary habits and liver cancer risk, but comes with several limitations. The role of diet in modulating hepatocellular carcinoma risk is still not well understood, and the findings rely heavily on systematic reviews and meta-analyses, which may exclude newer or smaller studies and introduce publication bias. Additionally, the complexity of dietary patterns and interactions between nutrients makes it challenging to isolate the effects of individual components. Factors like physical activity, socioeconomic status and access to healthcare may also confound the results, making it difficult to attribute risk solely to diet. Moreover, the lack of long-term interventional studies and limited exploration of emerging dietary patterns, such as intermittent fasting, leave gaps in understanding the broader implications of diet on HCC risk. How Does This Apply To Real Life? With liver cancer being one of the most common and deadly cancers worldwide, understanding how diet and lifestyle play a role is crucial. Making certain food choices, like eating more vegetables, legumes, whole grains and omega-3-rich foods like fish, may help lower your risk. Incorporating foods rich in omega-9 monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) and omega-3 polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) is also beneficial for liver health, as the authors note. That means snacking on foods like olives, avocados, almonds and hazelnuts can offer some benefits for your liver health. Cutting back on processed meats, sugar-sweetened beverages, saturated fats and alcohol is equally important. Additionally, adopting dietary patterns like the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes whole, plant-based foods and healthy fats, has shown promise in reducing liver cancer risk indirectly by preventing weight gain and improving metabolic health. Making some tweaks to your diet can be a slow and steady process—you don't have to overhaul everything at once. Consider including a few Mediterranean diet meals in your routine each week, if you aren't already. Even simple suppers like our No-Cook White Bean & Spinach Caprese Salad and this 20-minute Vegan Coconut Chickpea Curry can be easy picks to add plenty of veggies and flavor to your day. Our Expert Take This study published in Narrative Reviews sheds light on the important connection between dietary habits and the risk of developing liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma), particularly in the context of rising cases linked to metabolic disorders like MASLD. The findings suggest that making certain food choices such as increasing intake of vegetables, legumes, whole grains and omega-3-rich foods like fish may play a role in reducing HCC risk. At the same time, limiting processed meats, sugar-sweetened beverages, saturated fats, and alcohol is crucial. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of limiting exposure to aflatoxins, toxic substances found in contaminated foods like cereals, maize, rice, nuts, and spices. By making small, intentional changes to your diet and lifestyle, you can take meaningful steps to protect your liver and overall health. Remember, every small positive choice, whether it's adding more veggies to your plate, swapping a cocktail for a mocktail or enjoying fish as a protein choice, each decision brings you closer to a healthier future. Read the original article on EATINGWELL
Indian Express
24-07-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Obesity is even worse for health than believed earlier. India can't ignore that
While we continue to battle malnutrition in many communities, a silent epidemic is spreading through our households — one that carries far graver consequences. Obesity, once considered a problem of the affluent, is now clustering within Indian families at an alarming rate, and with it comes a hidden threat that policymakers can no longer ignore: Cancer. Recent national data paint a disturbing picture of India's nutritional transition. Nearly 20 per cent of Indian households now have all adult members classified as overweight, while 10 per cent have all adults classified as obese. This suggests shared environmental and behavioural factors. In states like Tamil Nadu and Punjab, two out of every five households have all adults classified as obese. Urban areas show clustering rates which are double those of rural areas, conveying a clear picture of how prosperity and urbanisation are transforming India's health landscape. What makes this particularly concerning is its transgenerational nature. When obesity clusters within households, children grow up in environments that normalise unhealthy dietary patterns and sedentary lifestyles, creating cycles of risk that transcend generations. The evidence linking obesity to cancer is overwhelming. The WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified excess body weight as a significant risk for cancer. Obesity is directly associated with at least 13 types of cancer: Colorectal, breast (postmenopausal), endometrial, kidney, liver, pancreatic, ovarian, thyroid, meningioma, multiple myeloma, adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, gastric cardia, and gallbladder cancers. An IARC study, published in 2023, the largest of its kind, showed that having a high body mass index increases cancer risk by 17 per cent for people who also have cardiovascular diseases. The American Cancer Society estimates that excess body weight accounts for about 11 per cent of cancers in women and 5 per cent in men in the US. The biological pathways are clear. Hyperinsulinemia — chronically elevated insulin levels and insulin resistance — promotes obesity and diabetes. Insulin is also a growth factor and when chronically elevated, it can drive malignant transformation. Chronic inflammation associated with obesity represents another deadly pathway. Excess body fat cells (adipocytes) produce inflammatory factors, creating a state of chronic low-grade inflammation that damages DNA and interferes with immune surveillance — our body's natural defence system against cancer. Hormonal disruption adds another layer of risk. Fat tissue produces excess estrogen, and dramatically increases risks for hormone-sensitive breast and endometrial cancers. Cardio-metabolic dysfunction completes this deadly quartet. Hyperinsulinemia/ insulin resistance and altered glucose metabolism in the run-up to obesity creates a metabolic/inflammatory environment that favours development of cancer cells, their rapid growth and metastasis. India's situation is particularly precarious because we face this obesity epidemic alongside existing healthcare challenges. The economic implications for patients are staggering, too. Cancer treatment can devastate families financially, and when obesity-related cancers strike multiple household members — as clustering patterns suggest they might — the economic burden can be catastrophic. Prevention, therefore, isn't just a health imperative; it's an economic necessity. The household clustering of obesity presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Rather than treating obesity as an individual's problem, we must recognise it as a health problem that requires targeting the family as a unit for intervention. The government's recent commitment to establishing Day Care Cancer Centres in all district hospitals over the next three years, with 200 centres planned for 2025-26, provides a crucial foundation. However, these centres must prioritise prevention alongside treatment. We must scale up existing programmes like the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases to specifically target high-risk households and individuals. The data show we need concentrated efforts in southern states, urban areas, and affluent households. Regulatory interventions have proved effective globally — implementing taxes on sugary beverages, mandating front-of-pack nutrition labelling, and restricting marketing of ultra-processed foods. Obesity prevention programmes should target entire households, teaching families to shop for healthier ingredients; prepare meals at home consisting of fresh vegetables, leafy greens, whole grains and fruits; and engage in physical activities as a unit. Workplace and school-based nutrition programmes can break the cycle by creating healthy food environments outside the home. These behaviours can dramatically transform household practices reversing altered metabolic pathways and cardio-metabolic risk factors in a matter of days and weeks. However, it is crucial to understand that exercise alone cannot undo the harms of unhealthy food intake. While physical activity is essential for overall health, the metabolic damage from ultra-processed foods, excess sugar, poor dietary and inadequate sleep patterns cannot be 'burned off' through exercise. Poor nutrition requires dietary intervention, with exercise as a vital but complementary component. Our cities must become laboratories for obesity prevention. This means creating walkable neighbourhoods, ensuring access to affordable fresh farm produce, and designing urban/ work spaces that encourage physical activity rather than sedentary lifestyles. India's obesity crisis is not a distant threat — it's a present reality. Instituting practices to prevent obesity today mean preventing cancer tomorrow. The issue isn't whether we can afford to implement comprehensive obesity prevention strategies but whether we can afford not to do so. Our families, our healthcare system, and our economic future depend on the choices we make now. Shalini Singh is director, and Prashant Kumar Singh is senior scientist, ICMR-National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research, Noida
Int'l Business Times
22-07-2025
- Business
- Int'l Business Times
Coca-Cola Plans US Cane Sugar Alternative After Trump Push
Coca-Cola on Tuesday said it would release a version of Coke in the United States made with US-grown real cane sugar, a move requested by President Donald Trump. "We're going to be bringing a Coke sweetened with US cane sugar into the market this fall, and I think that will be an enduring option for consumers," said CEO James Quincey on a call with analysts. The company currently uses high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) for many of its US products -- a sweetener that has long drawn criticism from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his "Make America Healthy Again" agenda. Trump last week said that the company had agreed to use cane sugar in the United States version of Coke. "This will be a very good move by them -- You'll see. It's just better!" Trump wrote on Truth Social. Coca-Cola at the time did not confirm the move even if it said it appreciated Trump's "enthusiasm" for its brand. In announcing the new option, Quincey insisted that the main Coke product would still be made with corn syrup, with the cane sugar version offered as an alternative. Mexican Coke -- which is made with cane sugar -- is often sold at a premium in US stores and prized for its more "natural" flavor. The US president did not explain what motivated his push for the change, which would not impact his well-known favorite beverage, Diet Coke. Since his return to the White House, Trump has reinstalled a special button in the Oval Office that summons a helping of the sugar-free carbonated drink. HFCS became popular in the 1970s, with its use skyrocketing thanks to government subsidies for corn growers and high import tariffs on cane sugar. Any shift away from corn is likely to draw backlash in the Corn Belt, a Midwestern region that has been a stronghold of support for Trump. Both HFCS and sucrose (cane sugar) are composed of fructose and glucose, but differ at the structural level. Those differences don't appear to significantly affect health outcomes, according to research. Trump's preferred Diet Coke is sweetened with aspartame -- a compound classified as a "possible carcinogen" by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
RTÉ News
17-07-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
Trump says Coca-Cola to switch to cane sugar in US
Beverage giant Coca-Cola has agreed to use real cane sugar in its US production, President Donald Trump announced on social media. The company currently uses high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in its domestic beverages - a sweetener that has long drawn criticism from Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr and his Make America Healthy Again movement. "I have been speaking to Coca-Cola about using REAL Cane Sugar in Coke in the United States, and they have agreed to do so," Mr Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. "I'd like to thank all of those in authority at Coca-Cola. This will be a very good move by them - You'll see. It's just better," he added. The US president did not explain what motivated his push for the change, which would not impact his well-known favourite beverage, Diet Coke. Since his return to the White House, Mr Trump has re-installed a special button in the Oval Office which summons a helping of the sugar-free carbonated drink. Coca-Cola did not immediately confirm the ingredient shift. "We appreciate President Trump's enthusiasm for our iconic Coca-Cola brand. More details on new innovative offerings within our Coca-Cola product range will be shared soon," the company said in a short statement. HFCS became popular in the 1970s, with its use skyrocketing thanks to government subsidies for corn growers and high import tariffs on cane sugar. Any shift away from corn is likely to draw backlash in the Corn Belt, a Midwestern region that has been a stronghold of support for Mr Trump. Both HFCS and sucrose (cane sugar) are composed of fructose and glucose. However, they differ structurally: HFCS contains free (unbonded) fructose and glucose in varying ratios - 55/45 in soft drinks - while sucrose consists of the two sugars chemically bonded together. These structural differences, however, do not appear to significantly affect health outcomes. A 2022 review of clinical studies found no meaningful differences between HFCS and sucrose in terms of weight gain or heart health. The only notable distinction was an increase in a marker of inflammation in people consuming HFCS. Overall, both sweeteners appear similarly impactful when consumed at equal calorie levels. Despite this, Mexican Coke - which is made with cane sugar - is often sold at a premium in US supermarkets and prized for its more "natural" flavour. Mr Trump's prized Diet Coke is sweetened with aspartame - a compound classified as a "possible carcinogen" by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Int'l Business Times
16-07-2025
- Business
- Int'l Business Times
Trump Says Coca-Cola To Switch To Cane Sugar In US
Beverage giant Coca-Cola has agreed to use real cane sugar in its US production, President Donald Trump announced Wednesday on social media. The company currently uses high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in its domestic beverages -- a sweetener that has long drawn criticism from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his Make America Healthy Again movement. "I have been speaking to Coca-Cola about using REAL Cane Sugar in Coke in the United States, and they have agreed to do so," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. "I'd like to thank all of those in authority at Coca-Cola. This will be a very good move by them -- You'll see. It's just better!" The US president did not explain what motivated his push for the change, which would not impact his well-known favorite beverage, Diet Coke. Since his return to the White House, Trump has re-installed a special button in the Oval Office which summons a helping of the sugar-free carbonated drink. Coca-Cola did not immediately confirm the ingredient shift. "We appreciate President Trump's enthusiasm for our iconic Coca-Cola brand. More details on new innovative offerings within our Coca-Cola product range will be shared soon," the company said in a short statement. HFCS became popular in the 1970s, with its use skyrocketing thanks to government subsidies for corn growers and high import tariffs on cane sugar. Any shift away from corn is likely to draw backlash in the Corn Belt, a Midwestern region that has been a stronghold of support for Trump. Both HFCS and sucrose (cane sugar) are composed of fructose and glucose. However, they differ structurally: HFCS contains free (unbonded) fructose and glucose in varying ratios -- 55/45 in soft drinks -- while sucrose consists of the two sugars chemically bonded together. These structural differences, however, don't appear to significantly affect health outcomes. A 2022 review of clinical studies found no meaningful differences between HFCS and sucrose in terms of weight gain or heart health. The only notable distinction was an increase in a marker of inflammation in people consuming HFCS. Overall, both sweeteners appear similarly impactful when consumed at equal calorie levels. Despite this, Mexican Coke -- which is made with cane sugar -- is often sold at a premium in US stores and prized for its more "natural" flavor. Trump's prized Diet Coke is sweetened with aspartame -- a compound classified as a "possible carcinogen" by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
