Cancer is notorious for being one of the deadliest diseases in the world. Millions of people succumb to it every year, and despite years of research, an effective cure for most types of cancer remains elusive.
While there are many factors that contribute to the development and progression of cancer, recent studies suggest that one unexpected ally in the fight against cancer might be none other than starch.
What is starch, and how can it combat cancer?
Starch is a complex carbohydrate that is abundant in foods such as grains, potatoes, and beans.
Most people consume starch on a daily basis without even thinking about it, but recent studies have found that this substance may have powerful anti-cancer properties. Researchers believe that starch may be able to combat cancer in a number of different ways.
Starch and colon cancer
One of the main ways in which starch can combat cancer is by reducing the risk of colon cancer. Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, and it is also one of the most deadly.
However, studies have found that consuming large amounts of starch may actually reduce the risk of colon cancer. This is because starch helps to produce butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that has been shown to have anti-cancer properties. Butyrate can also help to reduce inflammation in the colon, which is another risk factor for colon cancer.
Starch and breast cancer
While starch may be effective in combatting colon cancer, recent studies have also found that it may be effective in combatting breast cancer.
One study found that women who consumed high levels of starch had a lower risk of developing breast cancer than women who consumed low levels of starch. Researchers believe that this may be due to the fact that starch can help to regulate blood sugar levels, which may play a role in preventing breast cancer.
Starch and lung cancer
Lung cancer is another type of cancer that is incredibly difficult to treat. However, recent studies have found that starch may be able to play a role in preventing this deadly disease.
One study found that a diet high in starch was associated with a lower risk of lung cancer in both men and women. The researchers believe that this may be due to the fact that starch can help to reduce inflammation in the lungs, which is a risk factor for lung cancer.
Starch and ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer is one of the deadliest types of cancer, and it is notoriously difficult to treat. However, recent studies have found that consuming a diet high in starch may help to reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer.
One study found that women who consumed a diet high in starch had a lower risk of developing ovarian cancer than women who consumed a diet low in starch. The reasons for this are not yet fully understood, but researchers believe that it may be due to the fact that starch can help to regulate hormones, which can play a role in ovarian cancer.
Starch and pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly types of cancer, and there are few effective treatments for it. However, recent studies have found that consuming a diet high in starch may be able to help prevent this deadly disease.
One study found that people who consumed a diet high in starch had a lower risk of developing pancreatic cancer than people who consumed a diet low in starch. Researchers believe that this may be due to the fact that starch can help to reduce inflammation in the pancreas, which is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer.
Conclusion
While more research is needed to fully understand the role of starch in combating cancer, these studies suggest that there may be a powerful link between the two.
Whether you are at a high risk for developing cancer or simply looking to improve your overall health, consuming a diet high in starch may be able to help reduce your risk of developing this deadly disease.