A recent UK study has found that consuming a glass of milk a day can help lower the risk of bowel cancer. The researchers analyzed the diets of over half a million women over 16 years and discovered that calcium-rich foods, such as dark leafy greens, bread, and non-dairy milks, had a protective effect.
The study also found that drinking too much alcohol and consuming processed meat increases the risk of bowel cancer. A large glass of wine per day can increase risk by 15%, while eating an additional slice of ham daily raises the risk by 8%.
Calcium is believed to protect against bowel cancer due to its ability to bind to bile acids and free fatty acids in the colon, lowering their potentially carcinogenic effects.
The findings are consistent with previous studies, which have shown that dairy products “probably” decrease the risk of colorectal cancer. The study’s lead researcher notes that calcium from dairy or non-dairy foods has a significant impact on reducing bowel cancer risk, particularly when consuming an extra 300mg of calcium daily.
Other experts agree that a healthy diet and lifestyle are crucial in preventing bowel cancer. Nutrition expert Prof Janet Cade says the paper provides important evidence showing that overall diet can influence risk of colorectal cancer.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj90m4errlgo