colon cancer
A plant-based diet may be beneficial in the prevention, treatment, and even reversal of cancer. Total meat consumption (see here and here) has been linked to higher rates of colon cancer, which may be due in part to carcinogens called heterocyclic amines created by cooking muscle tissue. Poultry and other animal products contain viruses which are known to cause cancer in animals; the concern is that they may also be carcinogenic to humans exposed to the raw or undercooked meat, dairy, or eggs. Additionally, fish and eggs contain dioxins that may contribute to colon cancer risk.
Stool size may be an important factor in colon cancer prevention. A plant-based diet produces the healthiest stools, and leads to consistently larger bowel movements.
Protective foods include berries (including Indian gooseberries and organic strawberries), broccoli (see also here), black beans, a number of herbal varieties of tea, carob, coffee, and apples. Vitamin D may also play a role in preventing colon cancer.
Dr. Greger covers colon cancer in his full-length presentation, Uprooting the Leading Causes of Death, where he explores the role diet may play in preventing, treating, and even reversing our top 15 killers.
Topic summary contributed by Eitan.
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