Vegetarians are less likely to develop colorectal cancer

Vegetarians are less likely to get colon cancer

03/10/2015

Every year, around 26,000 people die of colorectal cancer in Germany. This type of cancer is one of the deadliest tumors in the Western world. A vegetarian diet could possibly protect according to a new study.

Lower disease risks through vegetarian diet
There are truly enough reasons to eat meatless meat: just think of the cruel factory farming, the widespread and often irresponsible use of antibiotics or the rotten meat scandals. But more and more people are becoming vegetarians because they want to do something good for their health. In the past, numerous scientific studies have shown that a vegetarian and balanced diet can reduce the risk of diseases such as diabetes, heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. In addition, many vegetarians have better blood pressure and are less likely to be overweight or obese. A new study also shows that vegetarians appear to be less likely to develop colorectal cancer.

Vegetarians are less likely to get colon or rectal cancer
The researchers led by Michael Orlich from the California Loma Linda University analyzed for their study during seven and a half years, the data of more than 77,000 adults from Canada and the United States, of which about half fed purely vegetarian. Like the scientists in the journal „Jama Internal Medicine“ During the study period, 490 of the participants developed a malignant tumor on either the colon or the rectum. As the researchers looked more closely at their dietary habits, they found that vegetarians were less likely to develop either type of cancer. On average, the scientists counted 22 percent fewer cancer cases than non-vegetarians. Even better were the vegetarians who eat fish at least once a month. These had a 43 percent lower risk.

Vegetarians are generally healthier
The results of the current study are in line with previous studies that showed that the consumption of red and especially processed meat can be associated with an increased risk of intestinal tumors. However, those who eat a lot of fiber, falls statistically rare. Although there are numerous studies that certify vegetarian nutrition, a health-promoting effect, it can usually not be clarified whether it is the renunciation of meat alone that leads to it, or whether this is due to the generally healthier lifestyle of vegetarians.

Vegetarian food is booming
This applies to studies that lead to results like „Vegetarians live longer“ or „Vegetarians are less likely to get cancer“ come, as well as for investigations, according to which the renunciation of meat also has negative sides. For example, in the past, scientists have reported that vegetarians are more likely to suffer from depression and bloating and that their sperm is worse. There is clarity, however, that the demand for vegetarian products in this country is always growing. Even cookbooks and Internet portals, where vegetarian food recipes can be found, are enjoying increasing popularity. In addition, more and more vegetarian or vegan restaurants have opened in Germany in recent years. (Ad)