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Fruit Juice Linked to Breast Cancer Risk
8 Feb
Summary
- Daily fruit juice consumption tied to 13% higher breast cancer chance.
- Fructose in juice may cause metabolic changes, increasing risk.
- Eating whole fruit is recommended over drinking juice.
A recent study involving over 86,000 British women indicates a potential link between daily fruit juice consumption and an increased risk of breast cancer. Researchers observed that drinking a 250ml glass of fruit or vegetable juice daily was associated with a 13% higher chance of developing the disease. This finding is particularly concerning as the elevated risk was greater than that associated with sugar-sweetened beverages.
The scientists hypothesize that high fructose levels in fruit juice may be a contributing factor. Excessive fructose can lead to fat accumulation in the liver and alter metabolism, potentially causing hormonal changes that promote breast tumor growth. The study, published in Frontiers in Nutrition, suggests that consuming artificially sweetened or low-calorie drinks might reduce the risk by 10%.
Experts recommend replacing fruit juice with whole fruits and vegetables. The beneficial nutrients and fiber found in whole produce are believed to counteract the adverse effects of sugar and offer protective benefits against breast cancer. Over a ten-year period, the study tracked diagnoses among the participants, with 2,644 women being diagnosed with breast cancer.
