Drink milk to protect yourself from colorectal cancer

Mark
Written By Mark

A recent study found that drinking a glass of milk daily can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by about a fifth.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer worldwide, accounting for approximately 10% of all cancer cases, and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, according to To the World Health Organization.

The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Oxford, and was published in the journal Nature Communications on January 8. This study is the largest of its kind, and examined the effects of 97 nutritional factors on the risk of colorectal cancer on more than half a million women over a period of 16 years.

A cup of milk wards off evil

The researchers discovered that increasing daily calcium intake by 300 mg, roughly equivalent to a large 240 ml cup of cow’s milk, led to a 17% lower risk of colorectal cancer.

“There is good evidence from previous studies that dairy products reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, but it is not yet clear whether this is due to calcium, and this paper provides strong evidence,” Megan Winter, health information director at Cancer Research UK, told The Independent. However, calcium (whether in dairy products or non-dairy sources) may be associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer.”

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Winter is trying to find an explanation for these results, saying, “One possible explanation for how calcium reduces the risk of colorectal cancer is that calcium binds to harmful bile acids in the intestines, preventing them from causing intestinal damage that may lead to cancer. However, there are other theories and we are trying to find an explanation for these results.” “More research is needed to determine exactly how calcium affects colorectal cancer risk.”

What other benefits does calcium offer?

1- Bone health

A wealth of human research supports the association between milk consumption and bone health. Nutritionist Rosie Carr says, “The interaction between calcium, vitamin D, and protein creates an ideal environment for bone mineralization and maintenance. These components work together, as calcium provides the basic building blocks, enhances the absorption of vitamin D, and protein contributes to the formation of the bone matrix.”

2- Muscle growth

Milk contains both proteins and carbohydrates, and this combination is thought to play a role in promoting the repair of muscle protein structures and reducing protein degradation within muscle tissue. Furthermore, consuming proteins with carbohydrates can improve performance in exercises that require endurance or strength.

3- Vitamins and minerals

Cow’s milk is full of vitamins and minerals. “Key nutrients in milk include calcium (about 300 mg per cup), vitamin D (when fortified), vitamin B12, riboflavin, potassium, phosphorus and high-quality protein (8 grams per cup),” Carr says.

4- Reducing the risks of some diseases

“Research has identified several potential associations between adequate dairy intake and health outcomes,” says Carr. “Consuming milk regularly, as part of a balanced diet, may contribute to reducing the risk of osteoporosis through its calcium and vitamin D content. Studies have also demonstrated a lower incidence.” “High blood pressure may be associated with high blood pressure, especially when dairy products are incorporated into a diet consisting primarily of whole foods.”

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What is the recommended amount of milk?

Current dietary guidelines recommend 2-3 servings of dairy products per day for adults, 2-2.5 servings per day for children and 3-4 servings per day for teenagers.