Here are three everyday foods that recent research suggests may help ward off bowel (colorectal) cancer,
Connect with me on Heylink: https://heylink.me/NumanNumi25/
1. Yogurt (Fermented Dairy with Live Cultures)
What the studies say
-
A large, long-term study (using data from the Nurses’ Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-up Study) found that people who ate two or more servings of yogurt per week had a lower risk of certain colorectal cancers, especially “proximal” (right-side) colon cancers that are Bifidobacterium-positive. Harvard Public Health+2Mass General Brigham+2
-
The effect seems to be connected to how yogurt can shift the gut microbiome toward more beneficial species, potentially reducing inflammation and helping the gut lining stay healthy. Harvard Public Health+2ScienceDirect+2
How it might help prevent cancer
-
Improved balance of gut microbes: More “good bacteria” may help reduce harmful bacterial byproducts, reduce inflammation, maybe even improve how the immune system monitors abnormal cells.
-
Strengthening gut barrier: Probiotics may enhance gut lining, reducing the risk that toxins or inflammation can damage the cells inside.
-
Possibly reducing risk of aggressive tumors: Some colorectal tumour types are more dangerous; studies suggest yogurt may help reduce risk for some of these. Harvard Public Health+1
How to include it daily
-
Choose plain or low-sugar yogurts with live/active cultures. Sugary flavored yogurts may turn out counterproductive.
-
Try for 2+ servings a week (but more won’t hurt, assuming no dairy intolerance).
-
Use yogurt as breakfast with fruit, in smoothies, as dressing, etc.
2. Nuts (Especially Tree Nuts: Almonds, Walnuts, etc.)
What the studies say
-
There is evidence that regular nut consumption is linked to lower risk of colorectal cancer recurrence and better survival among patients who already have colon cancer. Yale News+2Dana-Farber Cancer Institute+2
-
One study from UConn found that walnuts may help reduce markers of inflammation in people at higher risk of bowel cancer; they also observed changes in gut bacteria associated with beneficial effects. UConn Today
-
A broader review found that people who eat more nuts (especially tree nuts) tend to have lower rates of cancer overall including colorectal cancer, possibly because of their beneficial effects on inflammation, insulin resistance, and gut microbiota. ScienceDirect+1
How they might help prevent cancer
-
Nutritious mix of fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals: these help reduce chronic inflammation, improve gut health, improve insulin sensitivity, etc.
-
Boosting “good bacteria” in the gut (prebiotic effects + fiber help feed beneficial gut microbes).
-
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can protect against DNA damage and promote healthier cell regulation.
How to include them daily
-
A handful (≈ 20-30 grams) of tree nuts a few times a week (or daily if you like) is useful.
-
Mix into breakfast cereals, snacks, chopped into salads, or make nut-butters.
-
Watch for added salt or sugar in roasted nuts; raw or lightly roasted unsalted nuts are better.
3. Whole Grains & High-Fiber Plant Foods
What the studies say
-
Many reports (from institutions like UC Health, MD Anderson, etc.) show that diets rich in fiber are strongly associated with lower colorectal cancer risk. UC Health+1
-
Legume consumption (beans etc.) is linked to reduced risk. UC Health+1
-
Whole grains are repeatedly found better than refined grains for this purpose. Fiber helps with bowel regularity, lower transit time, etc. MD Anderson Cancer Center+1
How they might help prevent cancer
-
Increased stool bulk & reduced time that harmful substances spend in contact with colon lining.
-
Fiber is food for beneficial gut bacteria, which produce short-chain fatty acids (like butyrate) that help nourish colon cells and reduce inflammation.
-
Helps maintain healthy weight; obesity is a known risk factor for colorectal cancer.
How to include them daily
-
Choose whole grain versions of bread, rice, pasta.
-
Add legumes (beans, lentils) regularly in meals.
-
Eat plenty of vegetables (especially non-starchy) and fruits with skins.
-
Moderate portion sizes + adequate water (fiber works better when you stay hydrated).
Putting It All Together: How to Use the “Trio”
In a blog-style wrap-up, you might want to present this as a simple plan readers can try:
“Here’s a daily plan idea using all three: have whole-grain oats or whole wheat chapati for breakfast with a topping of walnuts; mid-morning snack = a few almonds + fresh fruit; lunch with legumes or beans + vegetables + brown rice; dinner with some yogurt afterward. Over the week, ensure at least two servings of yogurt, a handful of nuts almost every day, and that most carbohydrates come from whole grains or fiber-rich plant foods.”
Also remind them: other lifestyle factors (keeping weight in check, regular exercise, limiting processed/red meat, avoiding smoking & excess alcohol) are just as crucial. And for those of higher risk (family history, etc.), screening is very important.
Improved balance of gut microbes:
ReplyDeleteNo one can explain like this
ReplyDeleteFiber helps with bowel regularity, lower transit time,
ReplyDeleteHow they might help prevent cancer
ReplyDeleteMany reports (from institutions like UC Health, MD Anderson, etc.) show that diets rich in fiber are strongly associated with lower colorectal cancer risk
ReplyDelete