In a new study, American researchers have found a correlation between regular fiber and yogurt consumption and a reduced risk of developing lung cancer.
Lung cancer is the fourth most common in France after prostate, breast and colorectal cancer. Each year, 46,363 new cases are diagnosed, according to the national cancer institute. And according to a new study published on October 24 in the journal JAMA Oncology, eating fiber and yogurt regularly could protect against this disease. Indeed, researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (Nashville, Tennessee, USA) have established a correlation between these foods and the incidence of lung cancer. But until we know more, the best way to avoid lung cancer is still not to smoke or to quit as soon as possible.
Researchers looked at data from more than 1.4 million people over eight years. During this period, 18,822 cases of lung cancer were diagnosed. After taking into account factors known to lead to lung tumor, scientists noticed that the consumption of yogurt and fiber was linked to a reduced risk of lung cancer cases.
In detail, people who regularly consumed large amounts of fiber and yogurt had between 15 to 19% less risk of developing lung cancer. Those who regularly eat fiber and yogurt are 33% likely to have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a risk factor for developing lung cancer.
A healthier gut microbiota
If no causal link is demonstrated, researchers want to understand what could explain this correlation. They therefore advance the track of the intestinal microbiota. The prebiotic and probiotic properties of fibers and yoghurts would reduce the inflammation of the latter and would keep certain oncogenic metabolic pathways dormant. “The gut microbiome plays a major role in reducing inflammation, one of the main promoters of lung cancer,” researcher Jae Jeong Yang explains to the specialized site. Bicycling. “We believe that people who consume more fiber and yogurt have a healthier microbiome, which would support overall good health,” she continues.
“Dietary fiber and yogurt consumption were associated with a reduced risk of lung cancer after adjusting for known risk factors and in people who had never smoked. Our results suggest a potential protective role of prebiotics and probiotics against lung carcinogenesis,” the researchers conclude.
This study is not the first of its kind. In April, researchers had already shown that consuming foods rich in fiber such as legumes (red beans, lentils, etc.), cereals, nuts or fruits allowed the body to produce fatty acids, essential in the prevention certain lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The Importance of Fiber for Health
In France, health authorities recommend that adults consume at least 25 to 30 grams of fiber per day. But few people follow this advice. In fact, in our country, the average daily fiber intake is estimated between 15 and 22 grams. This is why, in its new campaign, launched on October 22, Public Health France insists on the importance of fibres.
On the site mangerbouger.fr, the organization gives recipe ideas and simple tips for better eating and insists on two categories of nutritionally rich and financially accessible foods: pulses and whole-grain starches (whole-grain or cereal bread, whole-grain dough and semolina, etc. ). Because at present, 60% of adults do not eat whole grain products and 85% consume pulses less than twice a week.
In addition to their possible beneficial effects on the lungs, fibers have the advantage of limiting the assimilation of carbohydrates. By having fiber in your diet, you slow down the passage of sugar in the blood. It is beneficial for weight and to prevent diabetes problems. In addition, the slowing down of sugars in the blood makes the feeling of satiety last longer and therefore allows you to last between two meals without snacking on unhealthy snacks.
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