Doctors are concerned about the sharp increase in colorectal cancer cases in people under the age of 55. This number has doubled worldwide in recent years. It is believed that diet plays an important role in this trend, especially the increased consumption of highly processed foods, informs .
Professor of Biomedical Sciences at Anglia Ruskin University, Justin Stebbing, has revealed that the risk of colon cancer can be significantly reduced by including one particular food in your breakfast. In his article, he explained that the latest studies attribute a protective effect to this food.
“Growing evidence suggests that regular consumption of yogurt may have a protective effect against certain aggressive forms of colon cancer by modulating the gut microbiome, the natural bacteria living in our guts,” said the oncology consultant.
The gut microbiome plays a key role in overall health, influencing digestion, immunity and even cancer risk. Yogurt is beneficial due to live cultures of helpful bacteria (napr. Lactobacillus bulgaricus a Streptococcus thermophilus)which help maintain balance in the intestine.
Although yogurt did not directly reduce the risk across the board for all forms of colorectal cancer, people who indulged in it at least twice a week were shown to be less likely to develop so-called “Bifidobacterium-positive proximal colon cancer”. It is a variant of cancer in the right part of the intestine that is associated with one of the lowest survival rates. The researchers tracked data from more than 150,000 participants over several decades.
Nutritionist Professor Tim Spector revealed that he eats yogurt most days of the week. According to him, it is ideal for maintaining a healthy intestinal microbiome, which supports digestion and strengthens the immune system. “When it comes to yogurt, I never reach for low-fat products. I don’t like them, and they’re also not good for my blood sugar level, as they cause it to fluctuate wildly.” he explained.
Yogurt contains calcium, which benefits bones and helps prevent osteoporosis. Regular consumption of yogurt is also associated with lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Some research suggests that eating yogurt can also help prevent type 2 diabetes and other diseases.
