Peanuts are one of the most popular snacks in the world. They are affordable, easy to find, and loved for their crunchy texture and rich taste.
Many people also see peanuts as a healthy food because they contain protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. For most people, peanuts are part of a balanced diet and are often recommended as a nutritious snack.
However, new research suggests that peanuts may not be a good choice for everyone, especially for people who are currently living with cancer.
Scientists from the University of Liverpool have been studying how peanuts may affect the spread of cancer inside the body. Their research focuses on a natural protein found in peanuts called peanut agglutinin, or PNA.
When someone eats peanuts, this protein can pass through the gut and enter the bloodstream. Once in the blood, PNA does not simply disappear. Instead, it can interact with blood vessels and other cells in ways that may be harmful for cancer patients.
The researchers discovered that PNA can interfere with the normal behavior of blood vessels. Blood vessels are lined with a thin inner layer that usually acts as a barrier, controlling what can pass through.
The study found that PNA triggers the release of certain chemical signals called cytokines. Two of these chemicals, known as IL-6 and MCP-1, are already known to play roles in inflammation and immune responses. In this case, they appear to make blood vessel walls more welcoming to cancer cells.
When IL-6 and MCP-1 levels increase, the inner surface of blood vessels becomes stickier and easier for cancer cells to attach to. This makes it easier for cancer cells to move from their original tumor to other parts of the body.
This process, known as cancer spread, or metastasis, is one of the most dangerous aspects of cancer. It is often the reason cancer becomes harder to treat and more life-threatening.
This is not the first time this research team has found worrying links between peanuts and cancer spread. In earlier studies, they showed that PNA behaves like velcro in the bloodstream.
Cancer cells often carry special sugar structures on their surface that are less common on healthy cells. PNA can bind tightly to these sugars. When this happens, cancer cells stick together and form small clusters.
These clusters are more likely to survive as they travel through the bloodstream. Normally, the bloodstream is a harsh environment for single cancer cells, and many do not survive the journey.
But when cancer cells clump together, they are better protected and more likely to settle in new organs. This increases the chance that cancer will spread to places such as the liver, lungs, or bones.
The researchers stress that this does not mean peanuts are dangerous for everyone. For people without cancer, peanuts are still considered a healthy and safe food. There is no evidence that eating peanuts causes cancer or increases cancer risk in healthy individuals.
The concern is specifically about people who already have cancer and whose bodies may be more vulnerable to factors that help cancer spread.
For people undergoing cancer treatment or living with an active cancer diagnosis, the researchers suggest it may be wise to limit peanut consumption.
This does not necessarily mean cutting peanuts out completely, but reducing intake could help lower any potential risk. Because cancer treatment is complex and highly personal, patients should always discuss dietary changes with their doctors or healthcare teams.
The study was led by researcher Lu-Gang Yu and published in the scientific journal Carcinogenesis. The team emphasizes that more research is needed to fully understand how peanuts and PNA affect cancer spread in humans. Most of the current evidence comes from laboratory and early-stage studies, and larger clinical studies are needed to confirm the findings.
Still, this research highlights how everyday foods can have unexpected effects on the body, especially during illness. For people dealing with cancer, staying informed and cautious can make a real difference.
As scientists continue to learn more, updated dietary advice may become an important part of cancer care. Until then, awareness of potential risks allows patients to make more informed decisions about what they eat while focusing on their health and recovery.
If you care about cancer, please read studies that artificial sweeteners are linked to higher cancer risk, and how drinking milk affects risks of heart disease and cancer.
For more health information, please see recent studies about the best time to take vitamins to prevent heart disease, and results showing vitamin D supplements strongly reduces cancer death.
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