Adopting a plant-based diet may hold the key to reducing cancer risk. A large study suggests that skipping meat and dairy could lower the likelihood of developing several deadly cancers by up to 25 percent. Here are the key takeaways from the research.
Lower risk of colorectal cancer
Researchers found that people on a plant-based diet had a 21% lower risk of colorectal cancer, one of the most common cancers worldwide.
Stomach cancer protection
The same study showed a remarkable 45% reduction in stomach cancer risk among participants who avoided meat and dairy.
Reduced risk of lymphatic cancers
Vegetarians also had a 25% lower risk of developing lymphatic cancers, pointing to broader protective effects of plant-based eating.
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Benefits for younger men
Young men who adopted a fully plant-based lifestyle were less likely to develop prostate cancer, one of the leading cancers in men.
Lower risk of breast cancer
Women in the study saw protective benefits against breast cancer, which remains one of the most common cancer diagnoses worldwide.
Ovo-lacto vegetarians saw different benefits
Those who included dairy and eggs but avoided meat had a notably lower risk of blood cancers, showing varied effects depending on diet type.
Fish eaters and colorectal cancer
Participants who ate fish but no meat had a reduced likelihood of developing colorectal cancer, suggesting partial benefits.
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Lifestyle differences also matter
Vegetarians tended to smoke less, drink less alcohol, and exercise more. Even after adjusting for these factors, the cancer risk remained lower, reinforcing diet’s role.
Rising cancer rates among the young
The findings arrive at a time when colorectal and breast cancers are increasing among people under 50, underscoring the importance of preventive measures.
A simple step with big impact
Researchers conclude that adopting a more plant-forward diet is an accessible, powerful way to reduce the risk of some of the deadliest cancers.
Artiklen er baseret på informationer fra The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and Nyheder24
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