Peanuts are cancer 'accomplices', accelerating the spread of cancer cells? No more hiding: 2 kinds of peanuts to eat less
Peanuts are rich in nutrients, sweet in taste, and can be eaten in a variety of ways. However, recent studies have pointed out that eating peanuts for a long time may promote cancer metastasis, making many people afraid to eat them again.
1. Peanuts become an "accomplice" of cancer?
In fact, as early as 2014, a study published in the journal Canceration by Professor Yu Lugang of the University of Liverpool pointed out that peanuts contain a component that stimulates the proliferation of cancer cells in the body and improves the survival of cancer cells.
In the study, scientists found that a protein in peanuts called peanut agglutinin (PNA) is also present on precancerous and cancerous cells. When PNA binds to a specific sugar chain, it interacts 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 viscosity of cancer cells and easier attachment to blood vessels .
In addition, PNA can cause cancer cells to "clump together" and survive longer in the body's circulation, with a greater chance of spreading to other organs.
In 2021, Professor Yu Lugang 's new study published in "Carcinogenic Effects" once again pointed out that regular consumption of peanuts by cancer patients 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.
However, 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.
Second, can you eat? don't be intimidated
Peanuts turned out to be "accomplices" of cancer cell metastasis? With these two studies, can a " death penalty " be given to peanuts?
Jiu Shu wants to say that it is too early to draw such a conclusion, and there are three reasons.
First, this is just a "possible mechanism ".
In theory, PNA has the possibility of promoting cancer cell metastasis, which does not mean " eating peanuts can promote cancer metastasis ". Currently, there is no clear evidence from research that eating peanuts increases cancer incidence and mortality, either directly or indirectly.
Secondly, the research conclusions are based on two qualifications, one is cancer patients, and the other is a large amount of peanuts , that is, about 250 grams at a time. Only when these two conditions are met will the PNA increase. There is no evidence to support this in healthy people or in low doses of peanuts.
Finally, there are also many studies related to "peanuts against cancer" , which are contrary to the above viewpoints. for example:
In 2020, a study published by Yin Huiyong's research group from Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences pointed out that peanut red coat contains proanthocyanidin-B2, which has a significant anti-tumor effect; Imperial College London also found that peanuts are rich in folic acid and plant sterols. Eating in moderation every day can help prevent cancers such as breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer.
Therefore, even if some research points out that " peanuts may promote cancer ", we cannot easily draw the conclusion that "peanuts are harmful to the human body". The same is true for "peanuts anti-cancer" and should be treated rationally.
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 cheap and good. It is good to eat a little in moderation. But there are also places to pay attention to in daily consumption. There are two kinds of peanuts that should be eaten less.
The first is bitter peanuts .
Bitter peanuts are likely to have been mildewed, breeding a large number of Aspergillus flavus and producing aflatoxin. Aflatoxin belongs to a class of carcinogens with strong toxicity and strong carcinogenicity. Too much one-time intake 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 snacks. But did you know that the oil content of peanuts has reached 40%~50%, and the calories after frying are higher, which can easily lead to excessive fat intake. In addition, after the peanuts are fried, the nutritional value is destroyed, the protein is dehydrated, and it is easy to dry the mouth after eating too much.
Fourth, eat peanuts, pay attention, so eating is healthier
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 maximize the preservation of flavor and nutrition. When stewing, peanuts can be added to dishes or staple foods, such as peanut pork ribs soup, peanut salted bone porridge, peanut multigrain rice, etc.
It should be noted that, no matter how delicious peanuts are, you should not 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 and 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 diseases should not eat too much, and infants and young children should not eat them, so as not to choke into the trachea and cause accidents.
References:
[1]https://doi.org/10.1093/carcin/bgab059
[2] Chinese scholars discover the "anti-cancer mechanism" of "peanut" for the first time. Life Times. 2020-09-02
[3] Can peanuts promote cancer metastasis? You can feel at ease when you eat like this, 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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