It is estimated that this year, 54,870 new cases of endometrial cancer will be diagnosed. Research continues to grow showing that link between the foods and beverages that we consume and cancer.(1)
Each day, half of the people in the United States consume sugary drinks!
The consumption of sugary drinks have increased dramatically over the past 40 years. Not only are more people consuming these beverages but the portion sizes have also increased over the past 40 years.(2)
- Before the 1950’s, a standard bottle of soda was 6.5 ounces. In the 1950’s larger sizes of bottles were produced and the 12 ounce can was introduced in the 1960’s. By the 1990’s the 20 ounce plastic bottle became the new norm. (2)
- In the 1970’s, sugary drinks were about 4 percent of the United States daily calorie intake. In 2001, this number had increased to 9 percent.(2)
- Children in the U.S. average 224 calories per day from sugary beverages, nearly 11 percent of their daily calorie intake. (2)
- Each day, half of the people in the United States consume sugary drinks! One out of four get at least 200 calories from these drinks and five percent get at least 567 calories from sugary drinks. (2)
Research shows that women who drink sugar-sweetened beverages may dramatically increase their risk for endometrial cancer!
The female sex hormone estrogen plays an active role in developing most endometrial cancers, but research from the University of Minnesota reports that sugar-sweetened beverages may dramatically increase your risk.(3)
It was found that for postmenopausal women, the more sugar-sweetened beverages consumed increased your risk for the most common type of endometrial cancer, estrogen-dependent type I endometrial cancer.(3)
Obese women have higher levels of estrogens and insulin compared to women of healthy weight!
The study found that women who drink these drinks increase their risk by as much as 78 percent! These beverages are also linked to obesity, diabetes, heart disease and gout. Other studies have reported that the increase consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks leads to obesity. Obese women often have higher levels of estrogens and insulin compared to women of healthy weight.(3)
If you consume sugar sweetened beverages, consider healthier alternatives. Invest in a juicer and enjoy fresh pressed juices for a sweet treat, or consider drinking herbal teas sweetened with stevia.
Sources included:
(2) http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/sugary-drinks-fact-sheet/
(3) http://www.empowher.com/cancer/content/researchers-shocking-discovery-about-sugary-drinks
