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Studies Consumption of whole grains reduced the risk of colorectal cancer
A balanced diet is important for human health. Especially with the risk for the development of different cancers, the right diet can make a big difference. Researchers have now found that regular consumption of whole grains can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
Scientists from the internationally acclaimed Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health have found in their current research that eating whole grains results in a reduced risk of developing colorectal cancer. The results of the study were published by the American Institute for Cancer Research.
A diet with lots of whole grains is healthy. Researchers have now found in an investigation that the consumption of whole-grain products can protect against the development of colorectal cancer. (Image: photocrew / fotolia.com) Physical activity can protect against cancer
Diet and physical activity affect the risk of various cancers. Regular consumption of hot dogs, bacon and other processed meats increases the risk of colorectal cancer. There has also been strong evidence in previous studies that physical activity may protect against colon cancer.
Dietary changes can lower the risk of colorectal cancer
Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers. The results of the current research show that many people could lower their risk by changing their diet. Diet and lifestyle play an important role in the development of colorectal cancer, explains author Dr. med. Edward L. Giovannucci of the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health.
Experts analyzed the data of more than 29 million people
The new study assessed the results of global scientific research into how nutrition, weight and physical activity can affect the risk of colorectal cancer. The report analyzed a total of 99 studies using data from over 29 million people, including over a quarter of a million people diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
These factors can increase the colorectal cancer risk:
Various factors influence the risk of colorectal cancer. These include, for example:
- Eating high amounts of red meat, such as beef or pork
- Overweight or obesity
- daily consumption of two or more alcoholic drinks (30 grams of alcohol), such as wine or beer
90 grams of whole grains daily, reduce the risk of colon cancer by 17 percent
The current study concludes that daily intake of about three servings (90 grams) of whole grains reduces the risk of colon cancer by 17 percent. The evidence to date indicates that foods rich in fiber can also reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, the researchers report.
Physical activity protects against colon cancer
In addition, physical activity also affects the risk of colorectal cancer. When people are more physically active, they have a lower risk of getting colon cancer compared to physically less active people, the researchers explain. According to the researchers, this reduced risk was true for colon carcinomas, but not for rectal carcinomas.
Many cases of colon cancer preventable by a lifestyle change
In the US alone, an estimated 371 cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed each day. The American Institute for Cancer Research estimates that 47 percent of colorectal cancer cases in the United States per year could be prevented by healthy lifestyle changes.
Fish, oranges, strawberries and spinach protect against colon cancer
The study found other links between diet and the risk of colorectal cancer. For example, there has been little evidence to date that the risk of colorectal cancer increases with a low intake of non-starchy fruits and vegetables. If people take up less than 100 grams per day, it increases the risk, say the experts. There were also other foods that could reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. According to the researchers, these include, for example, fish and foods rich in vitamin C such as oranges, strawberries and spinach. When it comes to cancer, there are no guarantees, but some lifestyle choices can lower the risk of colorectal and other cancers, experts say. (As)