Scientists from Kyung Hee University have made a significant discovery in the fight against colorectal cancer. They found that a diet rich in healthy plant foods, like whole grains, vegetables, and legumes, can lower the risk of colorectal cancer in men.
This type of cancer is the third most common globally, with men having slightly higher lifetime risk than women.
Previous studies hinted that plant-based diets might help prevent colorectal cancer, but the impact of the nutritional quality of these diets was not fully understood.
In this study, researchers looked at the eating habits of 79,952 American men and found something striking: those who ate the most healthy plant-based foods had a 22% lower risk of developing colorectal cancer compared to those who ate the least.
Interestingly, the study didn’t find a strong link between plant-based diets and colorectal cancer risk in women, which included 93,475 American women.
The researchers think that antioxidants in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains might be key. These antioxidants help reduce chronic inflammation, a known factor in cancer development.
Men’s higher risk of colorectal cancer could be a reason why the diet showed more significant benefits for them. However, the study also revealed that the benefits of a healthy plant-based diet varied among men of different races and ethnicities.
Among Japanese American men, those with the highest consumption of healthy plant foods saw their risk drop by 20%.
White men who ate the most healthy plant foods had a 24% lower risk. But no significant associations were found for African American, Latino, or Native Hawaiian men.
The varying effects across racial and ethnic groups suggest that other risk factors for colorectal cancer might play a role in these differences.
This study, led by Jihye Kim and published in BMC Medicine, highlights the potential of diet, particularly plant-based foods, in reducing colorectal cancer risk in men.
It adds to our understanding of how lifestyle and dietary choices can impact cancer risk, emphasizing the importance of nutrition in cancer prevention.
For those interested in cancer research, other studies suggest links between dairy consumption and higher cancer risk, and the potential of vitamin D supplements to significantly reduce cancer deaths.
Additionally, coffee might help some men fight prostate cancer, and a common depression drug could potentially stop cancer growth. These findings underscore the growing body of knowledge around diet, lifestyle, and cancer prevention.
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