Common Vitamin Is a Hidden Colon Cancer Shield
With aggressive colon cancer on the rise in younger people, I’m always on the lookout for research showing how we can all lower our risks.
Over the past few months, I’ve shared studies showing that stress, oral bacteria, obesity, and circadian disruption are all tied to colon cancer.
And just last week I revealed how omega-3s and omega-6s can protect against this killer.
Today, I’m going to share another powerful nutrient that could dial down your colon cancer risk.
It’s estimated that over 152,000 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2024 and more than 53,000 will die from this devastating disease.
In fact, it’s the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S.
However, we know that making lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, losing excess weight, reducing stress, and boosting certain nutrients in our diet can reduce our risk.
That brings us to a new study that uncovered another colon-cancer blocking nutrient…
For this new mega study, researchers looked at data on over 70,000 people who participated in 51 different studies.
They found that for every additional 260 mcg of folate (vitamin B9) that someone consumed, they had a seven percent reduced risk of colorectal cancer.
That’s right… the more, the better.
For perspective, here’s the folate content of some of the richest food sources of this potent cancer-fighting nutrient:
- Spinach – 131 mcg per half cup
- Black-eyed peas – 105 mcg per half cup
- Rice – 90 mcg per half cup
- Asparagus – 89 mcg in 4 spears
Other foods that contain folate include avocado, broccoli, kidney beans, green peas, and lettuce.
However, remember that regardless of how much folate you consume, it’s still smart to take advantage of tests that can identify cancer in its earliest stages—giving you the greatest chance at survival if you do get it.
With colon cancer, it couldn’t be easier. The at-home test Cologuard is highly accurate at detecting both cancers and precancers.
If it’s positive, you can follow it up with a colonoscopy.
P.S. “Forbidden drink” SLASHES colon cancer risk 32%.
Source:
Bouras, E., Kim, A. E., Lin, Y., et al., (2023). Genome-wide interaction analysis of folate for colorectal cancer risk. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 118(5), 881-891.
