Are peanuts an 'accomplice' to cancer, accelerating the spread of cancer cells? No more concealment: 2 kinds of peanuts should be eaten less
Peanuts are rich in nutrition, sweet in taste, and can be eaten in a variety of ways. They are known as "longevity fruit" and are "universal delicacy" in the minds of ordinary people. However, recent studies have pointed out that eating peanuts for a long time may promote cancer metastasis, making many people afraid to eat them anymore.
1. Peanut as an "accomplice" to cancer?
In fact, as early as 2014, Professor Yu Lugang of the University of Liverpool published a study in the journal "Cancer Change", pointing out that peanuts contain an ingredient that can stimulate the proliferation of cancer cells in the body and improve the survival of cancer cells.
In the study, scientists found that a protein called peanut agglutinin (PNA) in peanuts is also present on precancerous and cancerous cells. When PNA binds to a specific sugar chain, it will interact with a protein molecule on the surface of tumor cells in the blood, exposing potential adhesion molecules on the surface of tumor cells, resulting in higher adhesion of cancer cells and easier attachment to blood vessels .
In addition, PNA can also cause cancer cells to "cluster" and survive longer in the body's circulation and have a greater chance of spreading to other organs.
In 2021, Professor Yu Lugang 's new research published in "Carcinogenicity" once again pointed out that cancer patients who often eat peanuts may increase the risk of tumor spread. Studies have shown that after PNA enters the blood circulation, it will interact with vascular endothelial cells to produce cytokines, thereby promoting tumor cell metastasis.
But Professor Yu Lugang also said that further research is needed in the future to explore the impact of a large intake of peanuts on tumor survival.
2. Can I still eat it? don't be freaked out
Peanut turned out to be the "accomplice" of cancer cell metastasis? With these two studies, can peanuts be sentenced to death ?
Uncle Jiu wanted to say that such a conclusion is too early for three reasons.
First, this is just a "possible mechanism ".
In theory, PNA may promote the metastasis of cancer cells, which does not mean that " eating peanuts can promote cancer metastasis ". At present, there is no clear evidence that eating peanuts will increase the incidence and mortality of cancer, whether it is direct evidence or indirect evidence.
Secondly, the research conclusion is based on two limiting conditions, one is cancer patients, and the other is eating a lot of peanuts , that is, eating about 250 grams at a time. Only when these two conditions are met will it lead to an increase in PNA. There is no evidence to support peanut intake in healthy individuals or in low doses.
Finally, there are many studies related to "peanuts against cancer" , which are contrary to the above point of view. for example:
In 2020, a study published by Yin Huiyong's research group at the Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences pointed out that the red coat of peanuts contains proanthocyanidin-B2, which has significant anti-tumor effects; Imperial College London has also found that peanuts are rich in folic acid and phytosterols, Eating in moderation every day can help prevent breast cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer and other cancers.
Therefore, even if some research points out that " peanuts may promote cancer ", we should not easily conclude that "peanuts are harmful to the human body" .
3. It is better to eat less of these two kinds of peanuts
Peanuts are rich in high-quality protein, unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins and other nutrients, and they are of high quality and low price. It is good to eat a little in moderation. However, there are also points that need to be paid attention to in daily consumption. There are 2 kinds of peanuts that should be eaten less.
The first is bitter peanuts .
Bitter peanuts are likely to have been moldy, breeding a large number of Aspergillus flavus and producing aflatoxin. Aflatoxins belong to a class of carcinogens, which are highly toxic and carcinogenic. Excessive intake at one time may lead to poisoning, and long-term intake may lead to liver cancer. Therefore, it is recommended to spit out the bitter peanuts immediately and rinse your mouth with water.
The second is fried peanuts .
Fried peanuts are fragrant and crunchy, and many people use them as snacks or appetizers. But did you know that the fat content of peanuts has reached 40% to 50%, and the calories after frying are higher, which can easily lead to excessive fat intake. In addition, after peanuts are fried, the nutritional value is destroyed, and the protein is dehydrated. If you eat too much, you will easily get dry mouth and tongue.
4. Eat peanuts carefully, it is healthier to eat like this
So, how to eat peanuts to be healthy?
In terms of cooking methods, it is recommended to choose boiled, stewed, or directly eaten raw , which is convenient and simple, and can retain the flavor and nutrition to the greatest extent. Peanuts can be added to dishes or staple foods when stewing, such as peanut rib soup, peanut salted bone porridge, peanut mixed grain rice, etc.
It should be noted that no matter how delicious peanuts are, you can't eat too much. The " Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents " recommends that adults should consume 50-70 grams of nuts per week, with an average of about 10 grams per day, or about 15 peanuts . After eating peanuts, reduce the intake of other high-fat foods to keep the total calories within the limit.
In addition, not everyone is suitable for eating peanuts. Patients with gout, cholecystitis, diabetes, and chronic stomach problems should not eat too much. It is also best for infants and young children to avoid choking into the trachea and accidents.
References:
[1]https://doi.org/10.1093/carcin/bgab059
[2] Chinese scholars discovered the "anti-cancer mechanism" of "peanut" for the first time. Life Times. 2020-09-02
[3] Peanuts promote cancer metastasis? Eat this way to feel at ease, People's Daily Online, 2022-06-23
[4] Chinese Nutrition Society. Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents (2016) [M]. People's Health Publishing House, 2016-5.
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