Danica Collins
06 April 2015
Colorectal cancer (colon and rectum cancers) is the 3rd most commonly diagnosed cancer and the 3rd leading cause of cancer-related deaths in America. You can help lower your risk of developing colorectal cancer by eating an abundance of fruits and vegetables, lowering your intake of red meat, and occasionally eating omega-3 rich fish.
Who’s the Most Protected of Them All? Pescovegetarians!
A March 2015 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine validates the pescovegetarian diet as the most protective when it comes to colorectal cancer prevention. Researchers analyzed data collected in the Adventist Health Study 2 (AHS-2) made up of 96,534 male and female Seventh Day Adventists between the years 2002 and 2007. Results showed that vegetarians had a 22% lower risk for all colorectal cancers, 19% lower risk for colon cancer, and 29% lower risk for rectal cancer when compared to non-vegetarians.
Pescovegetarians—regarded in the study as those who ate fish at least once a month and who ate other meats less than once a month—had a 42% lower risk for colorectal cancers compared to non-vegetarians, and a 27% lower risk compared to vegetarians.
Researchers believe that a diet abundant in fruits and vegetables and omega-3 rich fish ultimately helps lower the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer. Nutritionist Lisa Drayer explained to CNN:
“In addition to other dietary factors, fish may provide added protection from its high content omega-3 fatty acids. This is consistent with previous research that has found omega-3s have anti-cancer activity and that they may be helpful in the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer.”
A separate study showed that a diet rich in omega-3 healthy fats could block the proliferation of cancer cells in men with early stage prostate cancer. Another study found that fish consumption reduced the incidence of prostate cancer by 63%!
You Are What You Eat and Drink
Several studies have tied red meat to increased colorectal cancer risk, particularly diets heavy in processed, salted, smoked, and cured meat. But forgoing meat for a vegetarian diet made up of mostly refined carbohydrates also puts you at an increased risk for cancer. The answer is an antioxidant-rich diet made up of anti-cancer fruits like black raspberries and dark green leafy vegetables, and some coldwater, omega-3 rich fish. You’ll also whittle away at your waist, further reducing your chances of succumbing to colorectal cancer.
Easing up on the alcohol also helps. A 2011 study indicated that people who enjoyed 2 to 3 drinks daily had a 21% increased risk for colorectal cancer. Those who indulged in 4 or more drinks per day had a 52% increased risk for cancer.
How about trading in the alcohol for some green tea? A 2011 analysis showed that Chinese men who regularly drank green tea slashed their cancer risk by 54%!
http://undergroundhealthreporter.com/pescovegetarian-diet-protects-against-colorectal-cancerGo to Healthwise for more articles
