A glass of milk a day reduces the risk of bowel cancer by 17% – but another drink increases it by the same amount

do you have milk It may just be the key to protecting yourself from bowel cancer.

A major study by researchers at the University of Oxford published on Wednesday suggests that drinking the equivalent of a glass of milk each day can cut your risk of developing the disease by almost a fifth.

The findings offer a new weapon in the fight against the fourth most common cancer in the United States, with more than 150,000 Americans diagnosed each year.

Calcium binding

The research, published in Nature Communications, examined 97 dietary factors and their effects on bowel cancer risk in over half a million women.

Over almost 17 years, 12,251 participants were diagnosed, with calcium and alcohol showing the most significant influence in reducing and increasing risk, respectively.

The study found that, on average, adding 300mg of calcium to your daily diet – roughly the amount found in a large glass of milk – reduces the risk of bowel cancer by 17%. Other calcium-rich foods like leafy greens, yogurt and non-dairy milk also showed a protective effect, suggesting it’s the mineral itself that’s doing the heavy lifting.

Notably, the researchers did not identify a similar benefit from eating cheese or ice cream, although cheese has been linked to several other health benefits including a lower risk of sleep apnea. The study did not investigate the impact of calcium supplements.

Foods and drinks increase the risk of bowel cancer

The study reinforced previous evidence that alcohol consumption increases the risk of bowel cancer. Researchers found that drinking a large glass of wine a day can increase the risk by 15%.

Processed and red meat were also associated with higher risk of bowel cancer.

“This paper provides important evidence that overall diet can influence the risk of colorectal cancer,” said nutrition expert Janet Cade, a professor at the University of Leeds who was not involved in the research.

The rate of early-onset colorectal cancer has been increasing. Although experts are still unable to pinpoint the exact cause, some speculate that the Western diet may be to blame.

Why calcium?

Calcium has long been known to help strengthen bones and teeth, but a growing body of evidence signals that it may also offer protection against cancer.

Keren Papier, the study’s lead researcher, told Cancer Research UK that calcium may protect against bowel cancer by binding to bile acids and free fatty acids, creating a harmless “soap” that prevents them from damaging the lining of the bowel. intestines.

Other studies suggest that calcium helps balance and strengthen the immune system, while also reducing tumor invasiveness.

Other ways to reduce your risk

To further reduce the risk of bowel cancer, experts recommend eating plenty of fiber from whole grains, fruits and vegetables, avoiding processed meats and limiting red meat. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and quitting smoking can also help.

“Making lifestyle changes can be a challenge, but we believe it’s worth the effort,” said Lisa Wilde, director of research and external affairs at Bowel Cancer UK.