Recent research suggests men following a plant-based diet rich in healthy plant-based foods have a reduced risk of developing bowel cancer, the third most common cancer in the world.
Photo credit: Karolina Grabowska
Excerpts from the story:
“The study, which was published in BMC Medicine, looked at 79,952 US-based men. It found that those who ate the largest amount of foods like vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes were 22% less likely to develop the disease than those who ate the least.
“As part of the research, study participants were asked how often they ate food and drink items from a list of more than 180. They were also questioned about portion sizes. The foods were classified into healthy plant foods (including fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and coffee), less healthy plant foods (refined grains, potatoes, and fruit juices), and animal foods (animal fat, dairy, eggs, and meat, including fish). Researchers also looked at 93,475 women as part of the study. They did not, however, find a similar link.
“The study’s authors have speculated that it is the antioxidants in plant-based foods that may lower the risk of bowel cancer. This is due to the fact that they can suppress chronic inflammation. The research also indicates that the link may vary between race and ethnicity. Findings indicated, for example, that Japanese American men who ate more plant foods had a 20% decreased risk, while white men had 24% less risk.
“The researchers also stated that, due to the observational nature of the study, no conclusions could be drawn about a causal relationship between eating plant-based food and developing bowel cancer.” (Polly Foreman, plantbasednews.org)
Read the full story here: https://plantbasednews.org/lifestyle/health/men-vegan-diets-bowel-cancer-risk-study/