Dairy and a low-fat diet can reduce risk of bowel cancer
It’s exciting to see new research that shows eating dairy and a low-fat diet can reduce the risk of bowel cancer.
The research was undertaken by University of Otago researchers, with funding from Bowel Cancer New Zealand.
Rebecca Cannan, Fonterra Senior Nutritionist says, “Their findings further support existing evidence about the protective effects of milk and dairy consumption against the development of bowel cancer.”
This latest four-year national study looked at the potential causes of the high rates of colorectal cancer in New Zealand. Kiwis aged 30-74 years who had been diagnosed with cancer of the colon and rectum between 2013 and 2014 were invited to take part in the study along with a control group.
Both groups were asked about family history of colorectal cancer, ethnicity, diet, their historical school milk consumption, and exercise.
Along with the intake of other key food groups, the researchers analysed the relationship between the consumption of milk, cheese, cream cheese, cream, sour cream, yoghurt, ice cream, and dairy-based dips with the development of colorectal cancer.
People here in New Zealand and around the world choose milk as a staple in their diet. Why? Because it‘s packed with nutrients that help them lead a healthy life.
The researchers found that:
- Increased consumption of dairy products or milk was associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer, while the consumption of cheese alone was neutral.
- Consuming low-fat food was associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer.
- Increased consumption of processed meat, lamb, pork and bread elevated the risk of colorectal cancer.
- Being male and having a first degree relative with colorectal cancer was also associated with an increased risk.
The authors concluded that drinking milk as an adult, eating dairy products and choosing low-fat food alternatives helped protect against colorectal cancer.
Fonterra Senior Research Scientist, Jasmine Thomson says, “These findings support the goodness of milk and dairy products in promoting our overall health.
“People here in New Zealand and around the world choose milk as a staple in their diet. Why? Because it‘s packed with nutrients that help them lead a healthy life.”
Milk is also a good source of high-quality protein. It’s naturally full of calcium, B vitamins and many other nutrients and minerals. It can be fortified with vitamins A and D, making it a very nutritious food for both children and adults.
It’s important to know that while bowel cancer is the second highest cause of cancer death in New Zealand, the NZ Ministry of Health emphasises it can be treated successfully if it’s detected and treated early.
And now research has proven that eating dairy with a low-fat diet can reduce the risk of developing it.