- Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States.
- The risk of developing colorectal cancer is increased by overweight or obesity, smoking, and a diet high in red or processed meats.
- Including plenty of whole grains, fresh fruit, and vegetables in one’s diet can reduce this risk, existing research has shown.
- A large study has now found that, in men, a diet that is high in healthy plant-based foods is associated with lower colorectal cancer risk.
Colorectal cancer, also known as bowel, colon, or rectal cancer, is the third mos commonly diagnosed Trusted Source and the second deadliest cancer in the United States.
Most people who receive a colorectal cancer diagnosis are over the age of 50, although it can affect younger people, too.
In recent years, cases in older people have started to decline, but the incidence among younger people is increasing Trusted Source. However, these changes may be due to more effective cancer screening.
New evidence links healthy plant-based diets with lower colorectal cancer risk
Share on Pinterest More evidence emerges in support of the notion that a healthy plant-based diet is linked to a lower risk of bowel cancer. Image credit: Jimena Roquero/Stocksy.- Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States.
- The risk of developing colorectal cancer is increased by overweight or obesity, smoking, and a diet high in red or processed meats.
- Including plenty of whole grains, fresh fruit, and vegetables in one’s diet can reduce this risk, existing research has shown.
- A large study has now found that, in men, a diet that is high in healthy plant-based foods is associated with lower colorectal cancer risk.
Colorectal cancer, also known as bowel, colon, or rectal cancer, is the third most commonly diagnosedTrusted Source and the second deadliest cancer in the United States.
Most people who receive a colorectal cancer diagnosis are over the age of 50, although it can affect younger people, too.
In recent years, cases in older people have started to decline, but the incidence among younger people is increasingTrusted Source. However, these changes may be due to more effective cancer screening.
The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age. Other risk factors people cannot influence are a family history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases — such as Crohn’s disease — and certain genetic syndromes.
There are, however, many lifestyle factors that also influence a person’s risk of colorectal cancer. Factors that are likely to increase the risk includeTrusted Source:
- a diet low in fiber, fruit, and vegetables
- lack of physical activity
- a diet high in fat and red or processed meat
- overweight and obesity
- tobacco use and heavy alcohol consumption.
Several studiesTrusted Source have investigated the relationship between diet and colorectal cancer, finding that the typical Western diet that is high in fat, red meat, and processed meat increases the risk.
Reducing these foods and increasing foods high in dietary fiber is associated with a reduction in risk.
Plant-based foods tend to be high in dietary fiber, but only in an unprocessed state.
Now, a study that appears in BMC MedicineTrusted Source has found that a diet high in healthy plant-based foods — whole grains, fresh fruit, and vegetables — is associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer in men.
Unhealthy plant-based foods — refined grains, fruit juices, and added sugars — had no beneficial effect on cancer risk.
You must be logged in to post a comment.