milk This is the food that is most underrated or even unfairly demonized. Many opponents of its consumption justify themselves by the fact that humans are the only animals that continue to drink milk after weaning. But the reality is that we are the only ones who use fire to cook, and no one seems to mind it. Or almost no one. Milk if you don’t have it intolerance Meanwhile, this is absolutely great. So much so that, according to a study recently published in Natural communications, may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by 14%.
This was an observational study that collected data from more than half a million women who took part in the program. Million Women StudyA British study aimed at monitoring breast cancer and its risk factors. The database includes various Diet-related parameters. There is also evidence of other more or less healthy habits. And while the goal is to monitor breast cancer, the database includes information on other diseases, including other types of cancer.
Belonging 1.3 million women which are part of a database slightly larger than 500,000 They met the criteria of another colorectal cancer risk study. Therefore, it was their data that was analyzed, paying special attention 97 different dietary options and its impact on health. This is what showed that a glass of milk a day can reduce the risk of developing cancer in the lower intestine. But let’s see what this data is.
Nutrients that reduce the risk of colorectal cancer
Of the 97 dietary options analyzed, they showed the greatest protection against colorectal cancer. dairy products. There were other products that also seemed to have protective paperbut after adjusting for other parameters and habits of the study participants, the negative correlation was no longer so obvious. However, it persisted with milk and its derivatives.
It was estimated that only 200 grams of milk per day will reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by 14%. So, which component of milk is to blame?
It’s not just about the milk
The authors of this study, belonging to Oxford Universitywanted to check whether the protective role of milk could be due to calcium. For this reason, they also analyzed the health of women who took calcium supplements or other foods rich in this nutrient. It has been found that cancer itself may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in 17%. This means that while milk is ideal because it is very rich in calcium, you can also eat other foods rich in this nutrient, such as fortified plant milk.
We have seen that there is nothing wrong with consuming milk. People have gradually adapted to consuming it, and most of us have lactasean enzyme that helps us digest lactose. Those who don’t have it express lactose intoleranceso consuming them may make them feel bad. In any case, this is an exception, because of which such healthy food should not be demonized.
However, the ethical considerations of vegans or those who simply want to reduce their consumption of animal products to a certain extent are legitimate. So the good news is that Vegetable drinks fortified with calcium may have a similar effect.
Opposite effect on cancer risk
It is important to know not only the protective role of milk against colorectal cancer. It is also necessary to know the foods that increase this risk. For example, consumption of two alcoholic drinks daily increases the risk of colorectal cancer by 15%. This practically negates the benefits of milk. On the other hand, people who eat 30 grams red meat or processed per day 8% more risk than those who don’t.
So ideally you should drink more milk, or at least more calcium, and less red meat and alcohol. Moreover, as explained in Science AlertHe coffee It also has a protective effect; So, the next time you drink a latte, you might think you’re doing it to take care of your gut. While you may be doing this to wake up a little, it’s true.
Source: Hiper Textual
