Preliminary studies in mice suggest that smaller portions and healthier food choices may be key in keeping the gut and colon cancer-free.
Cancer-prone mice fed either a restricted-calorie diet or a diet rich in olive oil, fruits and vegetables were up to 60% less likely to develop pre-cancerous colon polyps compared with mice fed regular diets, according to investigators at the US National Cancer Institute, in Bethesda, Maryland.
The findings suggest that individuals who want to prevent intestinal and colon cancers "avoid overeating and consume a healthier diet rich in beneficial fatty acids (and) high in fruits and vegetables," according to lead researcher Dr. Volker Mai.
Numerous studies have supported the notion that the simple act of cutting back on daily calories can bring longer, healthier life. And nutritionists everywhere agree that diets heavy in fruits, vegetables and healthy oils work to fight a host of illnesses.
In their study, Mai's team had mice bred with a gene that left them highly susceptible to intestinal cancers placed on one of five diets. The mice were fed either a regular diet, a regular diet plus moderate exercise, a high-fat diet, a calorie-restricted (40% less) diet, or a diet high in olive oil, fruits and vegetables.
At the end of the study, the researchers examined the number of polyps -- small pre-cancerous growths -- in each mouse's gut.
Compared with mice on the regular diet, mice on the olive oil, fruit and vegetable regimen displayed 40% fewer polyps within the intestines and colon, while mice on the calorie-restricted meal showed a full 60% reduction in polyp development.
The combination of a regular diet plus exercise also reduced polyp development, but only slightly, the researchers add. On the other end of the scale, mice fed high-fat regimens displayed the most prolific polyp growth.
Mice are obviously not men, but strong similarities exist between them. Although the mechanisms by which various foods affect health remain unclear, it is likely low-calorie, plant-based diets may alter levels of hormones in the body that influence cancer development.
Annual Experimental Biology 2002 Conference New Orleans, LA April 22, 2002
There are several fascinating aspects of this study. From a cancer perspective it would seem that while exercise is helpful in preventing cancer it is not as important as diet.
The striking observation though is that calorie restriction was 50% more effective than a diet high in olive oil, fruits and vegetables.
Personally I would have liked to see a study high in omega-3 oils with vitamin D, vegetables more than fruit and exercise compared to the calorie restricted diet.
But I do believe this is one additional strong suggestion that eating less is more likely to be healthier for us in the long run. This is largely related to reductions in insulin levels, which is the major accelerant of aging.
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