Who would have thought that regularly enjoying yogurt could bring significant health benefits, especially in reducing the risk of colon cancer? A recent study found that people who consume live bacteria yogurt at least twice a week have a 20% lower chance of developing a certain type of colon cancer.
What’s the Connection Between Yogurt and Colon Cancer?
Researchers from Mass General Brigham analyzed data from over 150,000 people and discovered that yogurt consumption is linked to a reduced risk of bowel tumors containing Bifidobacterium bacteria. This bacterium is part of the gut microbiome and plays a role in maintaining digestive health and immunity.
Although this study doesn’t prove that yogurt directly prevents cancer, it highlights the potential of probiotics in keeping the gut healthy.
The Benefits of Probiotics in Yogurt
Yogurt containing live bacteria, such as Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophiles, is known to be beneficial for overall health. These probiotics help boost the immune system, improve digestion, and may reduce the risk of various diseases, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
According to nutrition expert Kelsey Costa, Bifidobacterium in yogurt can help strengthen the gut lining and reduce inflammation, which may contribute to cancer cell growth.
Choose the Right Yogurt
But remember, not all yogurt is created equal! Many yogurts on the market contain added sugar and other ingredients that may not be beneficial for health. It’s best to choose natural yogurt without added sweeteners to maximize its benefits.
If you’re not a fan of yogurt, don’t worry, There are other probiotic-rich alternatives like kefir, kimchi, miso, and sauerkraut. Kefir is a fermented drink similar to yogurt but more liquid and packed with even more probiotics. Kimchi, a Korean staple, is high in fiber and beneficial bacteria for digestion. Miso, a fermented soybean paste from Japan, is rich in enzymes and essential nutrients. Meanwhile, sauerkraut, a fermented cabbage dish from Germany, contains vitamin C and probiotics that support gut health.
So, starting today, why not add yogurt to your daily menu? Besides being tasty and refreshing, it could be one of the easiest ways to maintain gut health and reduce the risk of cancer. Stay healthy.