Eating Red Meat Increases Colon Cancer

Studies done in Europe and the United States both showed that eating high amounts of red meat, whether fresh, cured, processed or salted, was linked to colon cancer. This link has been long suspected, but these two large studies, along with many other small ones, seem to make a strong case.

One study was done in the United States by the American Cancer Society. They watched over 148,000 people for eleven years and found that a high consumption of fresh and processed red meats increased rectum and lower colon cancer. The study found that eating fish and chicken seemed to be protective.

The study done in Europe was larger, watching over 470,000 men and women for five years. At the end of the study over 1,300 people were diagnosed with colon cancer. The study found that those who ate five ounces or more red meat a day were at the highest risk. This study found that eating fish was protective of this cancer, while eating chicken was neutral.

Twenty-nine other studies found that eating red meat increases risk of colon cancer by 28 percent, while eating processed red meat increases the risk by 20 percent.

All studies concluded that substituting fish for red meat could reduce risk of colon cancer dramatically.

Fish Oil is a healthy source of good fat

As most people know, fish oil is a healthy source of fat. A recent study suggests that it may also reduce fatty substances found in the blood of those with type 2 diabetes.

The study, which studied over 40 adults taking a supplement with 4 grams of fish oil over 8 weeks, proved that it lowered levels of traicylglycerol, a fatty substance that contributes to heart disease.

They also found that levels of HDL, good cholesterol, rose with those who took fish oil.

The study was reported in the Diabetes Care magazine and reported that those taking fish oil supplements showed LDL and HDL feel by almost 1%. That might not be a lot, but for diabetics, reducing the amount of fat in the blood by any amount is helpful.

While taking fish oil supplements is helpful, eating fatty fish like salmon and mackerel is the natural way to get plenty of fish oils.

Fish Oil is a healthy source of good fat

As most people know, fish oil is a healthy source of fat. A recent study suggests that it may also reduce fatty substances found in the blood of those with type 2 diabetes.

The study, which studied over 40 adults taking a supplement with 4 grams of fish oil over 8 weeks, proved that it lowered levels of traicylglycerol, a fatty substance that contributes to heart disease.

They also found that levels of HDL, good cholesterol, rose with those who took fish oil.

The study was reported in the Diabetes Care magazine and reported that those taking fish oil supplements showed LDL and HDL feel by almost 1%. That might not be a lot, but for diabetics, reducing the amount of fat in the blood by any amount is helpful.

While taking fish oil supplements is helpful, eating fatty fish like salmon and mackerel is the natural way to get plenty of fish oils.

What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk of Colon Cancer

Although colon cancer is on the decline, it is still worth thinking about how to reduce your risk for the disease. Many studies are currently being done to determine the risk factors of colon cancer, and although not all scientists agree, the majority of information out there seems to point to several ‘risk factors’ that can be summed up easily.

As far as diet goes, many studies point to cutting back on red meat. A high quantity of red meat in ones diet, or eating red meat daily, has been shown in many studies to increase the chances for colon cancer. Chicken seems to be a neutral meat and fish may even help to decrease the risk of colon cancer. Also, getting a sufficient amount of calcium in one’s diet may help to lower risk as well.

Other ways to lower your risk of colon cancer is to stay active and keep your weight down. Studies have shown that physical exercise protects against colon cancer and vigorous physical exercise might even offer more protection. Other studies show that obesity is a major factor in colon cancer, so keeping your weight down will help to reduce your risk dramatically.

While fiber was once thought to be the main help for colon cancer, doctors and scientists are now pointing toward these lifestyle and diet changes for increased health. So keep your weight down, put on your walking shoes, stay away from red meat, eat plenty of oily fish and make sure to get calcium in your diet!