Research proves specific food combinations reduce colorectal cancer risk by 12-15%

A major research breakthrough identifies exactly how combining vegetables with healthy fats protects against colorectal cancer, giving both doctors and patients clear guidance for prevention. In a groundbreaking study, it was uncovered which dietary combinations protect against colorectal cancer. Scientists tracked more than 1,000 cancer cases across nearly 17 years and identified two distinct eating patterns. Still, only a diet combining fiber-rich vegetables and legumes with healthy fats from sources like nuts and fish proved powerful in cancer prevention.

The evidence is compelling: people eating more of these protective foods showed a significant 12% lower risk of developing colorectal cancer compared to those eating the least. For colon cancer specifically, the protection proved even stronger, with a 15% risk reduction. The study meticulously tracked both cancer development and survival rates, providing robust evidence for prevention strategies.

Importantly, the research found that simply eating high-carbohydrate foods with folate showed no protective effect. This demonstrates that the specific combination of vegetables and healthy fats provides unique cancer protection. These findings give healthcare providers solid evidence for dietary recommendations and offer patients clear direction for cancer-protective food choices.

Reference:
Abebe Z, Wassie MM, Nguyen PD, Reynolds AC, Melaku YA. Association of dietary patterns derived by reduced-rank regression with colorectal cancer risk and mortality. Eur J Nutr. 2024;64:33.