Healthy Plant-Based Diet Linked to 20% Lower Bowel Cancer Risk in Men

Men who eat the most healthy plant foods have a 20% lower risk of bowel cancer than men who eat the least, according to a large new study.

Researchers led by Kyung Hee University in South Korea followed 79,952 men and 93,475 women in the Multiethnic Cohort Study for an average of 19 years, recording 4,976 cases of colorectal cancer. Men in the top fifth of the healthful plant-based diet index, which scores whole grains, vegetables, fruit, nuts and pulses highly and refined grains, sugary drinks and animal foods poorly, had a 20% lower risk. On the overall plant-based index the figure was 23%. The results are published in BMC Medicine.

No significant link was found in women, and this is an observational study, so it shows an association rather than proof of cause.

First author Jihye Kim of Kyung Hee University said, as reported by PA Media:

We speculate that the antioxidants found in foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains could contribute to lowering colorectal cancer risk by suppressing chronic inflammation, which can lead to cancer.

Filling your plate with beans, whole grains and vegetables looks like a smart move.

It follows the UK Biobank study that found vegetarians have a 14% lower risk of cancer and a French study linking plant-rich diets to 15% lower cancer risk.

One more good reason to eat your greens, guys!