"More than 5 times increase in pancreatic cancer risk" An unexpectedly dangerous fruit?

Pancreatic cancer is considered one of the most difficult cancers to diagnose early. Symptoms are not clearly evident, and by the time a diagnosis is made, the cancer is often already quite advanced, earning it the nickname "silent cancer." The survival rate is also low, and surgical options are limited, making prevention especially important. However, among the foods to be cautious of for maintaining pancreatic health, surprisingly, many people are still unaware that "fruits" are included.

Fruits are generally recognized as healthy foods, but not all fruits are good for the pancreas. In particular, the three fruits introduced below can strongly stimulate the pancreas or place a direct burden on insulin metabolism, potentially increasing the risk of pancreatic cancer. The problem is that most of these fruits are easily consumed in daily life. Considering pancreatic health, the following fruits should have their consumption methods adjusted or be reconsidered altogether.

 

First – Dried jujube, the ultimate high-sugar fruit

Jujube is a fruit frequently used as a nourishing ingredient in traditional medicine, but it is never safe for the pancreas. In particular, dried jujube has a much higher sugar content than fresh jujube and causes a rapid increase in blood sugar levels when consumed. The pancreas secretes insulin to regulate blood sugar levels each time they rise, but repeated hyperglycemic stimulation ultimately accelerates the fatigue of pancreatic beta cells.

The problem is that dried jujubes are considered a "healthy snack," and many people eat a few each day consistently. The sugar content in 100g of jujubes is about 63g, which is close to the level of sugar. Moreover, they have low dietary fiber content and do not slowly raise blood sugar levels. For people with prediabetes or insulin resistance, fruits like jujubes can act as a direct stressor on the pancreas. The statement that jujubes increase the risk of pancreatic cancer by ten times is not an exaggeration; it signifies an overload of metabolism that the pancreas cannot handle.

 

Second – Melon, insulin resistance caused by excessive fructose intake

Melons are among the fruits with a strong sweetness and abundant juice, making them a popular summer fruit. However, the very sweetness they contain is due to 'fructose,' which can be a warning sign for pancreatic health. Fructose appears to raise blood sugar less than glucose, but in reality, it is different. During its metabolism in the liver, fructose promotes the production of triglycerides and reduces insulin sensitivity in the liver and pancreas. Over time, the development of insulin resistance can lead the pancreas into a vicious cycle of producing more insulin.

Especially, melons are often consumed in large quantities at once. Due to the perception that they are a fruit that can be eaten heartily along with watermelon, many people unconsciously eat a quarter or half a melon by themselves. The problem is that the fructose content in 100g of melon is about 8 to 10 grams. When excessive sugar enters the body, the pancreas continuously secretes insulin, and if this process repeats, the function of beta cells ultimately deteriorates rapidly. A significant number of pancreatic cancer patients have a history of diabetes, which is not unrelated to this.

 

Side effects caused by the misconception that fruit is a healthy food

Fruits are indeed rich in vitamins and antioxidants. However, considering the sugar content, enzyme inhibition effects, and fructose levels within them, it is not always accurate to categorize them as 'good foods' for pancreatic health. In particular, high-sugar fruits, excessive fruit juice consumption, and eating fruits on an empty stomach in the morning can all provide sensitive stimuli to the pancreas.

The pancreas is an organ that is very difficult to recover once damaged. Moreover, pancreatic cancer is hard to detect early, and when the disease is discovered, treatment options are limited. Therefore, foods that strain the pancreas should be filtered out in advance, and careful consideration should be given to diet composition. Consuming moderate amounts of fruits that are low in sugar and high in fiber is acceptable, but frequently eating fruits with strong sweetness and high blood sugar response poses a clear risk to pancreatic health.

 

Fruits are by no means villains. However, not all fruits are safe for the pancreas. Especially for people with weakened pancreatic function, those in pre-diabetes stages, or individuals with a family history, it is necessary to reconsider how the fruits they are currently eating may affect their pancreas. The fact that easily consumed fruits like jujubes, melons, and grapefruits may actually increase the risk of pancreatic cancer should not be taken lightly.

 

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Dried jujubes are not a healthy food, huh? ㅠ_ㅠ

 

Same with melon ~ I should only eat a little bit~

 

They say it's bad for the pancreas... Wow...!!