A new analysis adds to previous evidence that and vegetarianism can protect the body from certain types of cancer. According to a recent study from Loma Linda University (USA), a plant-based diet can reduce the risk of by 45 percent.
The team analyzed medical data from 79,468 Seventh-day Adventists living in the U.S. and Canada between 2002 and 2007. At the start of the study, none of the participants had any form of cancer. The researchers monitored the volunteers until 2015 and ultimately found that some developed various forms of cancer.
“Many of the non-vegetarians who participated in this study were very health-conscious, so it’s quite surprising that we found anything at all among them,” said epidemiologist Gary Fraser, the lead author of the study.
The Results Surprised Scientists
Incredibly, the risk of developing stomach cancer among vegetarians during the study period was 45 percent lower, while the risk of lymphoma was reduced by 25 percent. Overall, the risk of all types of cancer among plant-based eaters decreased by 12 percent, as reported by Science Alert.
These results make sense, as the gastrointestinal system is directly linked to what we eat. “These organs have direct contact with food and its breakdown products during digestion, as well as other metabolic byproducts produced by gut bacteria,” the Fraser team wrote in their report.
The researchers also noted that processed meat is considered a risk factor for both types of cancer mentioned. Meanwhile, a high intake of fruits (especially citrus) provides protection against these diseases.
Scientists also found that vegetarians are better protected against lung, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers, Fraser noted. However, these figures are not statistically significant.
Overall, this large and long-term study is more about trends than causation. It’s quite possible that those who avoid animal products also tend to lead healthier lifestyles. For instance, they may exercise more, which is also linked to better cancer protection.
According to the scientists, it’s also important to remember that strictly adhering to any diet can lead to health issues. A vegetarian can cause nutrient deficiencies if not followed correctly.
Moreover, vegetarianism can be particularly challenging for individuals with health issues related to nutrition. For this reason, researchers often emphasize that the key takeaway from all these studies is the necessity of consuming a wide variety of vegetables, rather than making a strict switch to veganism.
The study’s findings were published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
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