A new study conducted by researchers from the University of Oxford has revealed some promising news for dairy lovers. According to the study, milk and dairy products may help protect against colorectal cancer, one of the most common types of cancer worldwide.
Colorectal cancer, also known as bowel cancer, is a type of cancer that affects the colon or rectum. It is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. The risk of developing this type of cancer increases with age, and it is estimated that one in 24 women and one in 22 men will develop colorectal cancer in their lifetime.
The study, published in the International Journal of Cancer, analyzed data from over 500,000 participants from the UK Biobank, a large-scale biomedical database. The researchers looked at the participants’ dietary habits and their risk of developing colorectal cancer over a period of 6 years. They found that those who consumed higher amounts of milk and dairy products had a lower risk of developing colorectal cancer compared to those who consumed lower amounts.
The protective effect of milk and dairy products was mainly attributed to their calcium content. Calcium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining strong bones and teeth. It is also involved in various cellular processes, including cell growth and division. Previous studies have shown that calcium may have a protective effect against colorectal cancer by reducing the growth of abnormal cells in the colon and rectum.
Dr. Marc Gunter, the lead author of the study, stated, “Our findings suggest that higher intake of dairy products, particularly milk, may be associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer. This could be due to the calcium content in dairy products, which has been linked to a reduced risk of colorectal cancer in previous studies.”
The study also found that the protective effect of dairy products was more significant in men than in women. This could be due to the fact that men generally consume more dairy products than women. However, further research is needed to understand the gender differences in the association between dairy consumption and colorectal cancer risk.
The findings of this study are significant as they provide further evidence of the potential health benefits of dairy products. In recent years, there has been a lot of debate surrounding the consumption of dairy products, with some studies linking them to an increased risk of certain types of cancer. However, this study adds to the growing body of research that suggests dairy products may have a protective effect against colorectal cancer.
It is important to note that the study only found an association between dairy consumption and a lower risk of colorectal cancer. It does not prove causation, and further research is needed to establish a cause-and-effect relationship. Additionally, the study did not differentiate between different types of dairy products, so it is unclear if certain types of dairy are more beneficial than others.
Nevertheless, the findings of this study are encouraging, and they provide another reason to include dairy products in our diet. Milk and dairy products are not only a good source of calcium but also provide other essential nutrients such as protein, potassium, and vitamin D. The World Health Organization recommends consuming 2-3 servings of dairy products per day as part of a healthy diet.
In conclusion, the new study from the University of Oxford suggests that milk and dairy products may have a protective effect against colorectal cancer, mainly due to their calcium content. While more research is needed to confirm these findings, it is safe to say that dairy products can be a valuable addition to a healthy and balanced diet. So, go ahead and enjoy that glass of milk or bowl of yogurt without any guilt, knowing that it may be helping to protect you against colorectal cancer.