(HealthCastle.com) A study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology (March 2008) shows a strong relationship between the increasing rates of type 2 diabetes, obesity and esophageal cancer. It has been found that a higher amount of carbohydrate consumption is related to a greater incidence of esophageal cancer. And along with an increase in carbohydrate intake comes a rise in weight gain or obesity. According to the National Nutrient Data Bank, Americans started to eat more carbs (about 120 grams/day) around the same time that the esophageal cancer rates increased.
Carbohydrates and Esophageal Cancer
The study in the American Journal of Gastroenterology points specifically to a connection between refined or simple carbohydrates and esophageal cancer rates. Refined or simple carbs are typically in the form of corn syrup or high fructose corn syrup and are found in many different products from bread to cereal to juice. Complex carbs are found legumes, non-starchy vegetables, and foods that contain whole wheat grains. Complex carbohydrates are also a better source of dietary fiber and will keep you feeling fuller longer than refined carbohydrates. When looking at nutrition labels choose the product that has greater than 3 grams of fiber per serving to optimize your fiber intake.
It is important to note that the study’s investigators state that eating more carbs does not cause esophageal cancer; however, there is a strong link between eating more carbs and a rise in obesity and esophageal cancer.
Know your carbs. Here are some examples of different carbohydrate sources:
Refined Carb
Complex Carb
fruit juice
fruit
white rice
white pasta
white bread
soda
candy
cakes
cookies
starchesand legumes
whole grain cereals
whole grain rice
whole grain pasta
whole grain bread
beans (garbanzo, black, kidney, navy, etc)
The Bottom Line
When it comes to your health, it’s not only important to take a good look at exactly what you’re eating, but also how much of it you’re eating. A lack of portion control appears to be related to a greater incidence of obesity. In the study discussed above a correlation is being made between the amount of food (specifically carbs) consumed and the risk of developing conditions like diabetes and esophageal cancer. Determine the amount of carbs that is right for you based on your activity level and weight-management goals. Most people need about 35-40 grams of carbs a meal (that's about two slices of bread and 1 cup of salad).
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