If you want to minimize your risk of colon cancer, the second leading cause of death by cancer in the United States (and probably other western nations), follow what Seventh-day Adventists do. Switch to a vegetarian diet. That means no red meat, no chicken or other animal products. That’s what the latest studies out of Loma Linda, CA, a largely Seventh-day Adventist community suggests.
The habits of more than 77,000 people were analyzed for association with colorectal cancer. Those who were vegetarians had 22% lower risk of colorectal cancer than non-vegetarians. Pescovegetarians (those who eat some fish) had a 43% lower risk.
Scientists think that a vegetarian diet may decrease insulin and insulin-like growth factors, two hormones linked to colorectal cancer. There are other ways a vegetarian diet may protect against this type of cancer as well such as how red meat is cooked, and the higher intake of beneficial nutrients such as folate, calcium and fiber by vegetarians, etc. A pescovegetarian diet is thought to be linked to omega-3 fatty acids, which may be anti-inflammatory. Fish also has vitamin D, which has also been linked to lower risk of colorectal cancer.
Other lifestyle choices may also reduce risk, such as maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, drinking alcohol in moderation (if at all) and exercising.
“The lower the red meat intake the better,” says Dr. Giovannucci, professor of nutrition and epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, “especially for processed meats.”
Stop building your meals around a hunk of chicken, beef, or pork. Instead use plant-based proteins such as legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains. Avoid refined grains, sugary snacks and drinks, which force the body to make more insulin, which has a growth promoting effect on cancer.
Keep in mind that this particular study focused only on the effect of diet on colorectal cancer. While fish is a factor in lowering risk of colorectal cancer, there are other problems with fish intake, such as mercury poisoning, and other issues. There are plant-based ways to get omega-3s (flaxseeds, chia seeds, dark leafy greens, soybeans, cabbage family foods and squash) and vitamin D, (a little sunlight every day).
“It is a mistake to suppose that muscular strength depends on the use of animal food. The needs of the system can be better supplied, and more vigorous health can be enjoyed, without its use. The grains, with fruits, nuts, and vegetables, contain all the nutritive properties necessary to make good blood. These elements are not so well or so fully supplied by a flesh diet. Had the use of flesh been essential to health and strength, animal food would have been included in the diet appointed man in the beginning.” Ministry of Healing”, page 316
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