Cut the Right Carbs, Cut Your Risk of Lung Cancer | Atkins

Colette's Blog

Cut the Right Carbs, Cut Your Risk of Lung Cancer

March 10, 2016

You may have seen it in the news, but new research from the University of Texas, published in the journal Cancer, Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, found that people who ate high-glycemic carbs had a 49% higher risk of being diagnosed with lung cancer. That is huge. This is actually the largest study that has been done that investigates the link between the types of carbs you eat and lung disease. In the past, lung cancer has been linked to smoking, but this research shows that maintaining a healthy diet with low-glycemic carbs may also lower your risk of cancer.

This study was conducted on 1,905 recently diagnosed lung cancer patients and 2,413 people who were healthy. The subjects were divided based on the quality of the carbs they were consuming (glycemic index) and the quantity of the carbs they were consuming (glycemic load).They discovered a link between a higher glycemic carbohydrates quality and quantity and lung cancer. What this comes down to is that even if you aren’t on a low-carb diet, the quality and quantity of your carbs is what is most important for good health. Ditch the processed, refined carbohydrates like cookies, cake, candy, soda, potato chips, anything with white sugar or high sugar content , and stick with what we recommend on Atkins—high-quality (and naturally low glycemic) high fiber carbohydrates that come from fresh vegetables, low glycemic fruits, nuts, avocado, legumes, and whole grains. When it comes to preventing disease, there is nothing redeeming about high glycemic impact carbs and sugar.

More From Colette

Food and Mood: Is There a Connection?

Learn how what you eat can impact how you feel. Have you ever noticed that after eating food high in sugar, while it seems delicious and tempting at the time, shortly after, you’re experiencing an energy slump and cravings for more? This is because the food you eat can affect your mood and emotional state

Read More »

Mother’s Day Low Carb Recipe Roundup

This Mother’s Day, show the love, not the carbs. As we celebrate Mother’s Day, there’s no better way to show your love and appreciation for her than by respecting her low carb diet. There are plenty of delicious, low carb dishes that fit the bill, whether she’s craving brunch, dinner or a picnic. New Low

Read More »

Low Carb Cinco de Mayo Recipe Roundup

Margs, tacos, tostadas and more! If you plan on celebrating Cinco de Mayo but worry about the Cinco “carbs” that may creep on you, fear not. With these recipes and tips, your fiesta can be delicious and low carb. How to Make Your Cinco de Mayo Low Carb Eating out? Try these tips for lightening

Read More »