It is said online that the latest research has confirmed that eating too many tangerines can cause cancer. Is this true or a rumor?

Recently, a piece of news about "Sugar oranges really can no longer be eaten" has been widely circulated on the Internet, causing concern and panic among many netizens. The news said that a study in Nature magazine showed that fructose promotes tumor growth, and sugar oranges contain a lot of fructose; and the sugar oranges currently grown are sweetened with deacidifiers, which contain heavy metals and are toxic. So, is this statement scientific? This article will provide you with a detailed analysis.

The high fructose content in tangerines, does it really cause cancer?

1. The relationship between fructose and cancer

In fact, this is not the first time that research on the relationship between fructose and cancer has appeared. Previously, studies have found that a high-fructose diet may lead to obesity, diabetes and other diseases, all of which are related to the occurrence of cancer. However, this does not mean that fructose directly causes cancer.

2. Fructose content of sugar oranges

As a citrus fruit, sugar oranges do contain high fructose. However, we need to make it clear that eating sugar oranges in moderation will not have a negative impact on human health. China's dietary guidelines recommend that adults consume 200 to 350 grams of fresh fruit per day, which is equivalent to 1 to 2 medium-sized sugar oranges. Within the normal intake range, the fructose in sugar oranges will not cause cancer.

3. Research is misinterpreted

The study mentioned above in Nature was actually conducted on mice that already had cancer. After the researchers fed the mice high fructose corn syrup, they found that the tumors in these mice grew faster. However, this study did not involve tangerines or other fruits, but rather focused on the effects of a high fructose diet on cancer development. Therefore, it is a misinterpretation of the study to directly equate the results of the study with tangerines causing cancer.

Are the deacidifiers used in the cultivation of sugar oranges really harmful?

1. The role of deacidifier

Deacidifier is a commonly used food additive, and its main function is to reduce the acidity of food and make it taste sweeter. In the process of growing sugar oranges, the reasonable use of deacidifier can improve the quality of the fruit and is harmless to human health.

2. National food safety supervision

China has very strict supervision on food safety, and the use of all food additives must comply with national standards. The deacidification agents used in the planting process of tangerines purchased through formal channels have been strictly approved and will not have adverse reactions to human health.

3. Regular sugar oranges are safe to eat

Sugar oranges purchased through formal channels are safe to eat. Consumers should pay attention to the following points when purchasing sugar oranges:

(1) Choose to buy from regular supermarkets and markets, and avoid buying tangerines from unknown sources.

(2) Pay attention to the appearance, color and taste of the fruit. High-quality tangerines are plump, bright in color, and have a moderately sweet and sour taste.

How to eat tangerines scientifically?

1. Eat in moderation

Although sugar oranges are delicious, they should be eaten in moderation. If consumed in excess, the fructose in sugar oranges may be converted into fat in the body, causing weight gain and even obesity. Long-term and high-volume intake of fructose may also interfere with blood sugar metabolism and increase the risk of metabolic diseases such as diabetes. In order to stay healthy, it is recommended that the daily intake of sugar oranges be controlled to 2 to 3 medium-sized ones, which can not only meet the need for fruit, but also avoid adverse effects on the body caused by excessive fructose intake.

2. Pay attention to the matching

When eating tangerines, you can pair them with foods rich in dietary fiber. For example, eating tangerines with various vegetables, whole grains and other foods rich in dietary fiber can effectively reduce the absorption rate of fructose. This is because dietary fiber can slow down the movement of food in the intestines, thereby prolonging the digestion process, allowing fructose to be gradually absorbed and avoiding a rapid rise in blood sugar levels.

3. Avoid eating on an empty stomach

When there is no food in the stomach to act as a buffer, the fruit acid in tangerines may directly irritate the gastric mucosa, leading to excessive gastric acid secretion. Excessive gastric acid not only causes discomfort, such as stomach pain, heartburn or acid reflux, but also may damage the gastric mucosa and affect the health of the stomach in the long term. Therefore, it is recommended to eat tangerines after meals to reduce irritation to the stomach.