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Daily Yogurt Consumption May Improve Health and Reduce Bowel Cancer Risk
Incorporating a daily serving of yogurt into your diet may significantly improve your overall health, according to a prominent physician. Bowel cancer rates are increasingly affecting younger populations, with approximately 45,000 new diagnoses annually in the UK alone, and a global surge of almost 20% in confirmed cases. While the precise cause of this increase remains unclear, experts suggest that unhealthy dietary habits are a notable risk factor for developing this disease.
The prevalent consumption of ultra-processed foods over recent decades has prompted specialists to suggest that dietary modifications could be crucial in preventing the formation of bowel tumors. Professor Justin Stebbing, a consultant oncologist and Professor of Biomedical Sciences at Angela Ruskin University, has specifically highlighted yogurt, suggesting its potential protective qualities against aggressive cancers. This affordable and readily available food item might already be a staple in many diets.
Study Suggests Yogurt Modifies Gut Microbiome to Combat Colorectal Cancer
Professor Stebbing referenced a recent study published in the medical journal, Gut Microbes, indicating that consistent yogurt consumption may safeguard individuals from certain types of colorectal cancer by “modifying the gut microbiome.”
Writing in The Conversation, the academic explained that introducing yogurt into one’s diet could be a simple method to enhance gut bacteria and lower the chances of cancer development.
“As a consultant oncologist, many patients inquire about strategies to reduce their cancer risk,” he stated. “The gut microbiome plays a vital role in general health, influencing digestion, immune system function, and even cancer risk.”
“Beneficial gut bacteria can reside within cancer itself, and maintaining a healthy balance of these bacteria is generally considered essential for supporting a robust immune system and preventing inflammation, factors that can contribute to cancer progression.”
Professor Stebbing further noted that the type of yogurt selected can impact its health benefits. Yogurts with added sugars may negate their anti-inflammatory properties by increasing the potential for weight gain.
Greek Yogurt and its Superior Probiotic Benefits
Plain, full-fat Greek yogurt appears to offer the most diverse range of live bacteria, he mentioned. A study involving over 150,000 participants revealed that consuming two or more servings per week was linked to a reduced risk of an aggressive form of the disease known as bifidobacterium-positive proximal colon cancer.
Beyond its emerging role in cancer prevention, yogurt is a valuable addition to balanced diets due to its other health-promoting attributes. This fermented dairy product is a rich source of calcium, which strengthens bones and increases bone density. Studies have also proposed its potential to prevent cardiovascular ailments and type 2 diabetes.
Research published in January also indicated that increasing daily calcium intake could decrease bowel cancer risk by 17%.
Lifestyle and Diet Crucial for Bowel Cancer Prevention
Despite bowel cancer being the third most prevalent cancer globally, Professor Stebbing emphasized that many cases are preventable through a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
“As ongoing research continues to unveil the intricate connections between diet, gut health, and cancer risk, incorporating yogurt into your daily routine could be a straightforward and advantageous step toward a healthier life,” he concluded.