A new study has revealed that regular consumption of yogurt reduces the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer by diversifying the gut microbiome. In contrast, poor diet, obesity, and lack of physical activity contribute to the onset of this disease.
A team of researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the Boston Cancer Institute (USA), Fukushima Medical University, and the University of Tokyo (Japan) asserts that yogurt effectively protects the body against colorectal cancer. However, it’s essential to consume this product regularly.
Currently, colorectal cancer is one of the most serious medical issues, with incidence rates rising worldwide, particularly among young people.
What Did the Researchers Discover?
Experts believe that the primary reason for the increasing prevalence of this type of cancer is the poor diet of modern individuals, which often includes a significant amount of ultra-processed foods. Other contributing factors include obesity and neglecting physical activity.
Previous studies have already highlighted the crucial role of the delicate system of gut bacteria in maintaining intestinal health. The authors of this new scientific paper analyzed a vast dataset collected over several decades from the global Nurses’ Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-up Study. In total, the researchers obtained detailed dietary information from approximately 150,000 individuals, including their yogurt consumption frequency.
This information allowed the researchers to comprehensively examine the link between yogurt consumption and a lower risk of colorectal cancer. They concluded that this connection is quite compelling.
For instance, among individuals who consumed two or more servings of yogurt per week, the incidence of cancer in the proximal colon (one of the most common and severe types of colorectal cancer) was 20 percent lower.
“Long-term yogurt consumption may be variably associated with the incidence of proximal colon cancer depending on the number of bifidobacteria, indicating an anti-tumor effect of yogurt consumption on a specific tumor subgroup,” the scientists wrote in their report.
The study’s results suggest that yogurt is not just a healthy food but also a powerful tool for preventing intestinal oncology. However, the researchers believe it is necessary to verify these results with a larger sample size, as reported by the Independent. They specifically aim to explore how certain types of bacteria combat cancer development.
“Further research is needed to clarify the potential mechanisms of the impact of long-term yogurt consumption on colorectal carcinogenesis,” the scientists noted.
The findings of the study were published in the journal Gut Microbes.