Not all yogurt is created equal, and Greek yogurt could save your life. The latest cancer research is revealing an unexpected connection between eating Greek yogurt and reducing the risk of colorectal cancer, one of the most common and deadly cancers in the world.
This is news that comes at a critical time, considering that Cases of this disease among people under 55 have doubled globally, with diagnoses increasing by nearly 20%. Oncologists are constantly asked about how to reduce the risk of developing this disease. Now they can answer with more conviction: two or more servings of Greek yogurt a week could make a significant difference, especially against some aggressive forms.
Greek Yogurt, a Powerful Ally for the Microbiome
This news about the protective power of Greek yogurt comes after recent findings that milk is effective in reducing cancer risk. The study, nice and big, he analyzed data from over 150.000 participants followed for decades, demonstrating how regular consumption of this food can specifically protect against ascending colon cancer, a particularly aggressive variant associated with lower survival rates.
The secret? It lies in the Bifidobacterium, a type of bacteria found in Greek yogurt that positively alters the gut microbiome. Scientists They measured the presence of this bacterium in the tumor tissue of 3.079 people diagnosed with colorectal cancer., finding that those who regularly consumed Greek yogurt had a significantly lower risk of developing “Bifidobacterium-positive proximal colon cancer.”
Probiotics in Greek yogurt appear to improve the diversity and balance of gut bacteria, reducing inflammation and levels of carcinogens.
Not all yogurts are the same
When it comes to incorporating Greek yogurt into your diet, choice is key. Opt for sugar-free variants. Sugars could cancel out the benefits by causing weight gain (which in turn is a risk factor for obesity and cancer).
The unsweetened one is also generally richer in proteins (15-20 grams per serving) and contains all nine essential amino acids. The full-fat version often has fewer processed ingredients than the low-fat variants.
Greek Yogurt: Small Change, Big Benefits
Bowel cancer is one of the main causes of cancer death in Europe: it is not increasing overall, but it is worrying the increase in cases in younger people.
In addition to its potential anti-cancer effects, Greek yogurt offers numerous other health benefits. Like milk, it is rich in calcium, which supports bone density and may reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Regular consumption has also been associated with lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
A comprehensive approach to prevention
Greek yogurt, I should clarify even if it is perhaps unnecessary, is obviously not a “silver bullet” against cancer. But it is not water with lemon either, with all due respect. It is a nutritious food that can contribute to a healthy diet and potentially offer protective effects against certain types of cancer.
As with any dietary recommendation, it is important to consider that Greek yogurt, despite its potential anticancer benefits, is only one piece of a broader preventative strategy.
