Last April, a study confirmed that the red meat consumption, even in small quantities, increased the risk of Colon Cancer. To the list of ingredients that favored the pathology are now added refined and processed products, according to Spanish researchers from the Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO) and the Biodonostia Health Research Institute (IIS Biodonostia). The fault of a so-called pro-inflammatory diet.
To reach these conclusions, the scientists analyzed the habits of 1,852 people with colorectal cancer, and compared them to those of 3,447 control individuals. Results ? “There is a correlation between an increased risk of colorectal cancer and the pro-inflammatory diet, assures Dr Mireia Obón-Santacana in a press release. Volunteers following this diet were twice as likely to develop this tumor. “
The benefits of the Mediterranean diet
In fact, the refined foods (pasta and white bread) and industrial basedtrans fatty acids (pastries, cereals, cakes) lead to inflammatory mechanism and theaccumulation of oxidative stress (chemical attacks on our body). They are also responsible for asthma, rheumatism and diabetes.
However, the picture is not all gloomy. The process can be reversed with the help of better nutrition. It is therefore advisable to favor meals rich in fruits, vegetables, oilseeds, omega 3s and whole grains, i.e. mediterranean diet. Previous research had already shown that the latter was a good way to prevent disease, since it halves the risk of developing polyps.
Colon cancer is the fourth deadliest cancer in the world. In France, it is the third most common cancer in men and the second in women. He killed 17,000 French people in 2018. However, detected in time, 90% of cases could be cured. But the screening remains insufficient.
The study was published in the review Nutrients in June.
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