Colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer out there.
Men have a 1 in 23 chance of getting this cancer in their lifetime, and women have a 1 in 25 chance.
It’s a huge issue! But good news, a recent study says that men who eat more healthy plant foods like veggies and grains might be less likely to get this cancer.
The study was done by scientists at Kyung Hee University and published in BMC Medicine.
What Did the Study Find?
Researchers looked at the eating habits of nearly 80,000 American men. They found out that men who ate a lot of healthy plant-based foods had a 22% lower risk of getting colorectal cancer.
This is compared to men who didn’t eat as much of these healthy plant foods. What counts as healthy? We’re talking about whole grains like brown rice and whole-wheat bread, all kinds of veggies, and legumes like lentils and chickpeas.
However, when they looked at about 93,000 American women, the results were different. The team didn’t see any clear link between eating more healthy plant foods and a lower risk of colorectal cancer for women.
The scientists think one reason might be the stuff found in these healthy foods, like antioxidants. These are like your body’s defense team. They help control inflammation, which could otherwise lead to cancer.
Does It Work the Same for Everyone?
Not really. The study found that how much this kind of eating helps may depend on your ethnic background. Among Japanese American men, those eating lots of healthy plant foods had a 20% lower risk.
White men had a 24% lower risk. But they didn’t see the same results in African American, Latino, or Native Hawaiian men.
The scientists think that there might be other factors at play for different groups of people. These could include other health conditions, lifestyle choices, or even genetic factors.
What Should You Do?
If you’re a man, especially if you’re Japanese American or white, eating more healthy plant foods might be a good way to lower your risk of colorectal cancer.
This isn’t a sure-fire guarantee, but it’s a step in the right direction. But remember, this doesn’t mean you should only eat plants. It’s all about balance and making better choices.
If you’re worried about cancer, you might also want to know that some studies suggest dairy products could increase cancer risk, while taking vitamin D supplements could lower it.
And hey, there’s even a study out there that says drinking coffee might help some men fight off prostate cancer!
For now, adding more fruits, veggies, and whole grains to your meals might be a good idea. After all, it’s always good to give your body the best fuel you can, right?
So there you have it. Eating more plants might just keep you healthier in the long run. It’s worth a try, don’t you think?
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