Peanut component linked to cancer spread

[Olga]

Scientists at the University of Liverpool have found that a component of peanuts could encourage the spread and survival of cancer cells in the body.
http://news.liv.ac.uk/2014/12/19/peanut ... er-spread/

Scientists at Liverpool had previously shown that peanut agglutinin (PNA) is resistant to cooking and digestion, with up to 50% of PNA discharged from the body in those people that ingest raw or roasted peanuts. It enters the bloodstream rapidly as an intact and active form after peanut consumption.

Professor Lugang Yu, from the University’s Institute of Translational Medicine, who led the study, explains: “There is a large body of biological and epidemiological evidence linking diet and cancer causation, such as the association between heavy drinking and higher risks of oesophagus and colorectal cancer, but less is known of the influence of diet on the progression of cancer once it is established.

“This study provides proof of principle that PNA appearance in the blood circulation after peanut consumption enhances the ability of the tumour cells to spread to other areas of the body. Although more research is needed, as cancer cell spreading to other organs accounts for the majority of cancer-associated fatality, cancer patients would be advisable to avoid regular consumption of peanuts.”