Milk and the Risk of Bowel Cancer: A New Study
As our understanding of the connection between diet and cancer grows, it becomes clear that simple lifestyle changes can have a meaningful impact on our health. A recent study from the University of Oxford adds another piece to this puzzle, suggesting that a daily glass of milk may contribute to a lower risk of bowel cancer.
Bowel cancer is a serious concern, being the third most common cancer diagnosed in women. According to Cancer Research UK, nearly 20,000 new cases are reported every year in England. While bowel cancer is most commonly diagnosed in individuals over 85, there’s a concerning trend of rising cases in those under 50, a phenomenon that remains unexplained.
This study, funded by cancer Research UK and published in Nature Communications, reveals a promising link between calcium intake and reduced bowel cancer risk. Researchers discovered that increasing daily calcium consumption by 300mg - roughly the amount found in a glass of milk – can lead to a 17% decrease in the risk of colorectal cancers.
Dairy Products May Help Protect Against Bowel Cancer
A recent study conducted by the university of Oxford suggests a fascinating link between dairy consumption and a reduced risk of bowel cancer.Researchers analyzed the dietary habits and bowel cancer risk of over half a million women over 16 years. Their findings revealed that dairy products, especially rich sources of calcium, played a significant role in lowering the risk.
“it highlights the potential protective role of dairy, largely due to calcium, in the progress of bowel cancer,” explains dr. Keren Papier, the lead researcher.
While other foods, such as leafy greens, fortified milk alternatives, breakfast cereals, fruits, whole grains, carbohydrates, fiber, sugars, folate, and vitamin C, also showed a slight risk reduction, dairy stood out as a particularly strong factor.
Dr. Papier sheds light on the potential mechanism behind this protective effect. “We have some idea why calcium has this effect.It’s suggested that calcium might protect against bowel cancer by binding to bile acids and free fatty acids to form a type of harmless ‘soap’, which stops them from damaging the lining of the gut,” she reveals.
While incorporating a large glass of dairy milk daily can easily boost your calcium intake by 300mg, remember that you can also increase your calcium intake through other delicious sources.
Hard cheese is particularly rich in calcium. This includes cheddar, parmesan, emmental, and gruyere.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Foods High in Calcium
According to the NHS, adults generally need 700 mg of calcium per day. Thankfully, incorporating calcium-rich foods into your diet is easier than you might think.Hard cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, emmental, and gruyere are excellent sources, as are dairy milk, yogurt, and fortified plant-based alternatives.
Calcium: the Underrated Ally in Your Fight Against Bowel Cancer
We all know that a balanced diet is crucial for our health, but did you know that the food we choose can directly impact our risk of developing serious diseases like bowel cancer? Recent research has shed light on the powerful role calcium plays in protecting against this devastating illness.
A large-scale study focusing on women revealed a fascinating link between calcium intake and a reduced risk of colorectal cancer.Experts found that women who consumed the recommended daily intake of calcium were substantially less likely to develop this type of cancer. interestingly, maximizing the calcium intake through a variety of food sources like fortified cereals, leafy greens like kale, and dairy products might further contribute to lowering the risk.
“While this is nothing new – several studies…
While this study highlights the importance of calcium, it also emphasized the negative impact of other dietary choices. The research found that alcohol consumption and a diet high in processed meats could actually increase the risk of bowel cancer. Specifically, drinking an extra large glass of wine daily could raise the risk by 15%, and a diet rich in red and processed meat, like ham, could increase it by 8%
This data reinforces previous findings by renowned institutions like Oxford Population Health and the University of Bergen, underscoring the powerful benefits of reducing alcohol intake and limiting processed foods for overall health and well-being.
The study also uncovered a surprising list of nutrients linked to a lower risk of bowel cancer, including yogurt, riboflavin, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium.
putting it All Together
While this study offers a valuable roadmap for lowering our risk of bowel cancer, it’s important to remember that every individual’s risk profile is unique. Factors like genetics, lifestyle choices, and environmental exposures all play a role. This research should be seen as a powerful tool for empowering us to make informed dietary choices that contribute to our long-term health and wellness.
bowel cancer, a disease affecting millions worldwide, arises from abnormal cell growth in the colon or rectum. While genetics play a role, lifestyle choices and dietary habits can significantly influence risk. Research indicates that individuals diagnosed with bowel cancer often share certain characteristics. Studies reveal they tend to be older, taller, and have a stronger family history of the disease. These individuals also tend to engage in “adverse health behaviours” compared to the general population.
Interestingly, dietary calcium intake seems to be a complex factor. While some studies suggest a link between higher calcium consumption and a reduced risk of bowel cancer, others indicate that this relationship may not apply universally. “A higher calcium intake may also not be suitable for everyone, so if you have concerns about your risk of bowel cancer or steps you can take to lessen the potential risk, speak to your doctor,” advises medical professionals.
