In honor of World Cancer Day, today’s post will examine research from Italy published last year, regarding dietary glycemic index, glycemic load, and subsequent cancer risk.

Researchers enrolled nearly 48,000 subjects into this study, from five different clinical centers in Italy. Subjects completed food frequency questionnaires, and were followed for an average of nearly 15 years. The questionnaires were designed to access glycemic Index, as well as glycemic Load, of the diet of each participant.

The Glycemic Index is a measure of the ability of different types of carbohydrate containing foods to raise blood glucose levels within two hours. Pure glucose is given the value of 100. High Glycemic Index foods cause more rapid rise in blood glucose levels. High Glycemic Index foods include white bread, white rice, high fructose corn syrup, and sodas. Low Glycemic Index foods include beans, most vegetables, and nuts such as cashews, peanuts, and walnuts. High Glycemic foods elevate blood glucose as well as insulin levels, and in turn promote fat storage. Low Glycemic Index foods tend not to overly elevate blood glucose levels or insulin levels in the body.

The Glycemic Load on the other hand is a function of the amount of carbohydrate and the Glycemic Index of that particular food. The Glycemic Load is calculated as the Glycemic Index multiplied by the grams of carbohydrate per serving size.

What the Italian researchers found was a high Glycemic Index diet increased risk of colon cancer, bladder cancer, and melanoma, among others. High Glycemic Load diets were related to a high risk of developing colon cancer, liver cancer, cervical cancer, and endometrial cancers, among others.

This study provides evidence that limiting carbohydrates may be a strategy for limiting risk of certain cancers later in life.

(Source- Scientific Reports, 7:9757)

This blog is a review of medical and scientific literature, and should only be used for informational purposes. It does not constitute medical or health advice, nor does it create a physician-patient relationship with anyone. Discuss and health concerns with your personal physician.