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Bowel cancer risk 22pc lower for men who eat a diet high in healthy plant-based foods, study finds
- Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is the third most common cancer and the fourth most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide
- Research linked a diet high in vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes to a 22 per cent lower risk of bowel cancer in men compared to the least healthy diet
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Better to ask for more helpings of broccoli, spinach or other healthy vegetables, gentlemen. New research shows men can reduce the risk of bowel cancer by eating a diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes.
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The study, published in the journal BMC Medicine, involved 79,952 US men and found those eating the highest level of healthy plant-based foods could cut their risk by up to 22 per cent compared with those who ate the least.
Researchers found no such link among 93,475 US women in the study. According to researchers, the study suggests the link is clearer for men, who have a slightly higher risk of bowel cancer.
On average, the men were 60 years old at the start of the study; the women were about 59.
The study’s participants were asked how often they consumed particular foods and drinks from a list of 180 options. Researchers also queried them about portion size.
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