Peanuts are a popular snack, loved for their crunch and flavor. Many people also consider them a healthy food because they contain protein, fiber, and good fats. However, a recent study from the University of Liverpool suggests that people with cancer might need to be careful about eating peanuts regularly.
The study looked at a protein in peanuts called peanut agglutinin (PNA). When you eat peanuts, this protein can enter your bloodstream. Scientists found that PNA may affect how blood vessels function by triggering the production of certain chemicals called cytokines. Two specific cytokines, IL-6 and MCP-1, seem to make it easier for cancer to spread in the body.
Here’s why this is a concern: these chemicals change the inner lining of blood vessels, making it easier for cancer cells to attach and move through the bloodstream. This can increase the risk of cancer spreading from one part of the body to another.
This study builds on previous research by the same team, which found that PNA can attach to sugar molecules on the surface of cancer cells. This attachment makes the cancer cells stickier, allowing them to clump together. When cancer cells form groups like this, they are more likely to survive in the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body, making treatment more difficult.
It’s important to note that this research does not mean peanuts are harmful to everyone. Peanuts are still a nutritious food for most people. However, for those with cancer, eating peanuts regularly might not be the best choice. The study suggests that reducing peanut consumption could lower the risk of cancer spreading.
The lead researcher, Dr. Lu-Gang Yu, emphasizes that more studies are needed to fully understand the connection between peanuts and cancer. The findings, published in the journal Carcinogenesis, provide an important starting point for further research.
For now, if you or someone you know is undergoing cancer treatment, it may be a good idea to limit peanut intake until more is known. Staying informed and making small changes in diet could be helpful in supporting overall health during cancer treatment.
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