Processed meats increase the risk of developing colon cancer, according to the latest research from the American Institute for Cancer Research.
We are big fans of the mediterranean diet and our golden rule is to eat all in moderation.
The key is to avoid refined sugar, sweets, all processed foods and sodas. Eating fresh and as much raw food as you can goes long way and is the best investment for your health.
The new study found that hot dogs, bacon and other processed meats when consumed regularly can increase the risk of colon cancer, while eating whole grains like brown rice can decrease the risk.
“Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers, yet this report demonstrates there is a lot people can do to dramatically lower their risk,” said Edward L. Giovannucci, MD, ScD, lead author of the report and professor of nutrition and epidemiology at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health. “The findings from this comprehensive report are robust and clear: Diet and lifestyle have a major role in colorectal cancer.”
The new report evaluated 99 previous studies, which included 29 million people — a quarter of a million of these people were diagnosed with colon cancer.
Other colon cancer factors that the researchers found include:
• Being overweight or obese
• Consuming two or more daily alcoholic drinks (30 grams of alcohol), such as wine or beer
Notes Giovannucci: “Many of the ways to help prevent colorectal cancer are important for overall health. Factors such as maintaining a lean body weight, proper exercise, limiting red and processed meat and eating more whole grains and fiber would lower risk substantially. Moreover, limiting alcohol to at most two drinks per day and avoidance or cessation of smoking also lower risk.”
Evidence continues to mount of the benefits of fruits, vegetables and fish for colon cancer, but all research points to the importance of a plant-based diet, according to Alice Bender, MS, RDN, AICR Director of Nutrition Programs.
“Replacing some of your refined grains with whole grains and eating mostly plant foods, such as fruits, vegetables and beans, will give you a diet packed with cancer-protective compounds and help you manage your weight, which is so important to lower risk.”
“When it comes to cancer there are no guarantees, but it’s clear now there are choices you can make and steps you can take to lower your risk of colorectal and other cancers,” said Bender.
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1. “New Report: Whole Grains Link to Lower Colorectal Cancer Risk for First Time.” AICR.org, American Institute for Cancer Research, http://www.aicr.org/press/press-releases/2017/new-report-whole-grains-link-to-lower-colorectal-cancer-risk-for-first-time.html.
