Does sugar feed cancer?

Many patients with cancer often hear stories that sugar feeds cancer. This causes them to worry about consuming sugar. All cells, including cancer cells, need sugar (blood sugar) for energy. There is no scientific evidence that consuming more sugar feeds cancer cells. Similarly, consuming less sugar does not make cells grow more slowly.

The main problem is that too much sugar contributes to fat accumulation and obesity, which increase cancer risk. The sugars we mean are those used in sweetened drinks, cookies, cakes and other ultra-processed foods. These sugars have very little nutritional value. Apart from providing calories, they contribute very little to the diet. They can lead to unhealthy weight gain. Foods high in refined sugars can cause insulin resistance, cardiovascular diseases and obesity. The findings that obesity increases cancer risk are clear.

Should I stop consuming sugar?

"Should I eliminate all sugar from my life during cancer treatment?" If you ask this, the answer is "No!".

There may be times during treatment when you must not stop taking in calories or become dehydrated. At such times, where the calories come from is less unimportant. Nevertheless, patients and their relatives may be avoiding sugary foods such as rice pudding and milk pudding. If you do not have diabetes or are not taking a medication that restricts sugar consumption, enjoying a piece of dessert can be a source of happiness.

You can enjoy a dessert of your choice by controlling the portion

As your appetite returns, you can make healthier choices. You can talk to your oncologist or dietitian and identify foods that may be better for you.

Not all sugars are bad. The sugar naturally found in fruit is part of a balanced diet. Other healthy sugars are vegetables, whole-grain carbohydrates and low-fat dairy products.

There is no scientific study showing that a diet without sugars is healthy. The American Heart Association does not recommend consuming more than 6 teaspoons (24 grams) of sugar for women and more than 9 teaspoons (36 grams) for men.

Related topic: Best diets 2020

Snack recipes that patients with cancer can enjoy

Blueberry and strained cheese pancakes

Ingredients:

• 1/3 glass of all-purpose flour
• 1/3 glass of wholemeal flour
• 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• Quarter teaspoon of salt
• Half a glass of blueberries
• 2 eggs
• Half a cup of milk
• 1 tablespoon of canola oil/olive oil
• Half a teaspoon of vanilla extract
• Half a glass cup of strained cheese

Preparation:

In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Then add the blueberries and set the mixture aside. Beat the egg and add the milk, oil and vanilla. Then add the strained cheese and mix a little more. Next, combine and blend the two mixtures. Gently heat a nonstick pan. Divide the mixture into small portions and cook them, using 1 teaspoon of oil for each. Cook for 1-2 minutes, turning until both sides are light brown. Repeat with the remaining batter. You can serve them with a little maple syrup or honey.

Raspberry chia pudding

Chia puddings have become very popular recently. Chia seeds are rich in fiber, protein, calcium and magnesium.

Ingredients:

• Half a glass of coconut milk/almond milk
• Half a glass of fresh/frozen raspberries (you can also use different fruits)
• 2-3 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey
• 2 tablespoons of chia seeds

Preparation:

Blend the coconut milk, maple syrup/honey and raspberries in a blender. Check the taste. You can add more maple syrup or honey if you wish. After adding the chia seeds, stir with a spoon and transfer to a bowl. Cover with cling film and leave in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.

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