Avid consumption of carbohydrates from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may help hinder the development of cancerous cells and tumors in the lungs.

This study analyzed the effect high dietary ingestion of carbohydrate-containing foods has on an individual's propensity to develop lung cancer. Researchers studied food questionnaires and medical records from 113,096 people who were part of the Prostate Lung Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial.

Researchers discovered that routine consumption of carbohydrates from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains lowered the odds of lung cancer in both men and women. In contrast, an increased risk of lung cancer was found among high consumers of refined carbohydrates, such as soft drinks. The results of this study show that fondness for refined carbohydrates may be a contributing factor to the development of lung cancer.