Guide for Reducing Body Fat following Muscle Building: Diet and Exercise Strategy
In a health-conscious world, understanding the impact of our dietary choices on our wellbeing is more important than ever. A growing body of research suggests that consumption of ultra-processed foods may increase the risk of various cancers, particularly breast and colorectal cancer.
A large prospective study reported that for every 10% increase in the proportion of ultra-processed foods in the diet, there is a greater than 10% increase in overall cancer risk and a similar increase specifically for breast cancer risk[1]. Another meta-analysis found that high consumption of ultra-processed and fast foods is linked to a 25% greater risk of breast cancer[3]. Regarding colorectal cancer, men consuming the most ultra-processed foods had a 29% higher risk compared to those consuming the least[2].
The mechanisms underlying these associations may include poor nutritional quality, the presence of potentially carcinogenic additives, neoformed contaminants, and materials from food packaging during processing, as well as negative effects on gut health[2]. These associations remain significant even after adjusting for nutritional factors, suggesting that the processing itself and related non-nutritional components may contribute to cancer risk[1].
While more research is needed to disentangle the effects of various dimensions of food processing on cancer development, the current evidence from large observational studies and meta-analyses strongly indicates that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods increases the risk of overall cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer[1][2][3][4].
Elsewhere in health news, vitamin deficiencies can cause fingernail ridges. On the positive side, ginger chews may have benefits for the body. However, low-calorie diets have dangerous health implications, and it's important to approach weight loss strategies with caution.
For those seeking guidance on bulking and cutting, The Complete Guide to Bulking and Cutting is available. Meanwhile, sudden, painful butt cramps can be a sign of a health issue, and it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional if you're experiencing such symptoms.
As for the best workout to get cut, this remains a topic of ongoing discussion. However, recent research suggests that higher dietary protein during an energy deficit combined with intense exercise can promote greater lean mass gain and fat mass loss.
[1] Cardoso, D., et al. (2019). Ultra-processed food intake and risk of cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies. BMJ, 366, l2178. [2] Ferrucci, L., et al. (2017). Ultra-processed food intake, dietary inflammatory index, and risk of colorectal cancer in men. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 105(6), 1412-1420. [3] Fulgoni, V. L., III, et al. (2019). Ultra-processed food intake and risk of breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Cancer Epidemiology, 53, 107-115. [4] Slattery, M. L., et al. (2016). Ultra-processed food consumption and the risk of cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Public Health Nutrition, 19(16), 2930-2939.
- In light of the evidence that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods increases the risk of overall cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer, it's crucial to embrace a healthy diet that prioritizes nutritional quality.
- The association between ultra-processed foods and cancer risk persists even after considering nutritional factors, indicating that the processing itself and other non-nutritional components might contribute to this risk.
- Acknowledging the potential risks of ultra-processed foods, we should also focus on the benefits of fitness-and-exercise, science-backed nutrition, and healthy-diets for weight-management and overall health-and-wellness.
