A new study suggests that consuming yogurt regularly may help protect against certain types of colon cancer. Researchers analyzed the diets of over 100,000 female nurses and 51,000 male health professionals for 30 years or more. Those who ate at least two servings of yogurt per week had a lower rate of proximal colorectal cancer, a type of cancer that occurs on the right side of the colon.
The study found that regular yogurt eaters had a 20% lower incidence of Bifidobacterium-positive tumors, which are linked to better survival outcomes. The researchers believe that long-term yogurt consumption may alter gut microorganisms, including Bifidobacterium, a probiotic that can prevent gastrointestinal disorders. This “protective effect” is attributed to the anti-tumor potential of yogurt.
While there was no significant link between overall cancer rates and yogurt intake, experts say the study provides an additional avenue for investigating the role of diet and gut microbiome in colon cancer risk among young people.
Source: https://www.newser.com/story/364299/researchers-describe-anti-tumor-potential-of-yogurt.html