Expert Reveals How Drinking a Daily Glass of Milk May Reduce Cancer Risk
A daily glass of milk might help prevent bowel cancer, according to a study by Oxford University and Cancer Research UK. The findings indicate that even a small increase in milk consumption could significantly reduce the risk of developing the disease.
Bowel cancer affects 45,000 people annually in the UK, making it the fourth most common cancer. However, many cases are preventable.
Cancer Research UK data shows that 54% of cases could be avoided with healthier lifestyle choices, such as quitting smoking, exercising more, reducing alcohol, and cutting processed meats.
Diet and Lifestyle Changes
As an oncologist, I advise patients on how diet and lifestyle impact cancer risk. This study, one of the largest on diet and disease, suggests that simple changes—like drinking an extra glass of milk—can reduce cancer risk. The research also found that drinking 20 grams of alcohol daily increased risk by 15%, while eating over 30 grams of red/processed meat raised risk by 8%.
Researchers analyzed genetic data from over 542,000 women and combined it with dietary information, including milk intake, to assess the impact of milk consumption on bowel cancer risk.
The analysis showed that participants who drank an extra 244 grams of milk daily—about one large glass with 300 milligrams of calcium—had a 17% lower risk of developing bowel cancer. This reduction applied to all types of milk, including whole, semi-skimmed, and skimmed.
Researchers determined that the protective effect of milk was independent of other dietary factors and lifestyle habits. This suggests that the benefits of milk in lowering bowel cancer risk are not due to it replacing unhealthy foods or being part of a generally healthier lifestyle.
The exact reasons why milk consumption may lower bowel cancer risk are not fully understood, but the researchers suggest several possible explanations.
Firstly, milk is a good source of calcium, which has been linked to a reduced risk of bowel cancer. Calcium may help protect against cancer by binding to harmful substances in the gut and promoting the death of abnormal cells.
Vitamin D and Lactose in Milk
Secondly, many milk products are fortified with vitamin D, known for its anti-cancer properties, and may help regulate cell growth and division. Additionally, the lactose in milk can support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria that produce butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects.
Lastly, milk contains conjugated linoleic acid, a fatty acid found in meat and dairy, which, according to a 2021 laboratory study, may also have anti-cancer properties.
Importantly, milk consumption may not be appropriate or beneficial for everyone. Individuals with lactose intolerance, milk allergies, or other dietary restrictions should seek advice from healthcare professionals before making significant changes to their dairy consumption.
This groundbreaking research offers strong evidence for the potential role of milk consumption in reducing bowel cancer risk. The finding that a modest increase in daily milk intake could significantly lower the risk is especially promising. It suggests that small, achievable dietary changes can have meaningful public health benefits.
As we further explore the complex links between diet and disease, studies like this one offer valuable insights that can guide both personal health decisions and broader public health initiatives.
The potential of a simple dietary change to significantly impact cancer risk underscores the importance of ongoing research in this area and highlights the critical role of nutrition in shaping our health.
Read the original article on: Science Alert
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