A recent study uncovers a surprising potential benefit of consuming ‘live’ yogurt: its ability to offer protection against specific types of colorectal cancer. Photo credit: Basak Gurbuz Derman/Getty Images. Originally featured on Medical News Today
Yogurt containing live bacteria is believed to safeguard against various diseases, including certain forms of cancer. While experts have yet to pinpoint the exact mechanism behind this, some propose that it could be linked to yogurt’s impact on the gut microbiome.
A recent investigation reveals that regular consumption of ‘live’ yogurt could lower the risk of a particular form of colorectal cancer. Those who incorporated two or more servings of yogurt into their weekly diet showed a 20% decrease in Bifidobacterium-positive bowel tumors.
Colorectal cancer ranks as the third most prevalent cancer globally, comprising over 10% of all cancer cases, according to the World Health Organization. Lifestyle factors like a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, and diets high in processed meats while low in fruits and vegetables can elevate the chances of developing colorectal cancer.
Maintaining a healthy diet rich in fiber, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, calcium, and dairy products has been associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer. A team of researchers from Mass General Brigham recently published a study in the journal Gut Microbes, indicating that yogurt consumption may further mitigate the risk of specific colorectal cancer types.
Their findings demonstrated that individuals who consumed two or more servings of live bacteria-rich yogurt weekly had a 20% lower risk of developing colorectal tumors positive for Bifidobacterium. Bifidobacterium is a common bacterial strain found in the gut microbiome.
Gemma Balmer-Kemp, PhD, Head of Research at Cancer Research UK’s Cancer Grand Challenges, a contributor to the study, shared with Medical News Today, “Endogenous bacterial species are of significant interest for their application in human health. This study provides new evidence about the potential benefit of yogurt (which contains live bacteria) in reducing risk of a certain subtype of colorectal cancer.”
She added, “While this study has shown a correlation between long-term consumption of yogurt and lower rates of proximal colorectal cancer positive for Bifidobacterium, more work is required to understand any causative role of Bifidobacterium and the mechanisms involved if so.”
Probiotics are known to enhance the immune system, but can they also play a role in cancer prevention? ‘Live’ yogurt contains multiple bacterial strains, with Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophiles commonly used in milk fermentation to create yogurt. Additional bacterial strains, or probiotics, can also be included.
Studies have suggested that probiotics can bolster the immune system, improve gut health, decrease the risk of osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease
Researchers examined tissue samples from individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer to analyze the presence of Bifidobacterium DNA. Out of 3,079 participants who developed colorectal cancer, data on Bifidobacterium were available for 1,121. Among these cases, 775 showed negative for Bifidobacterium while 346 tested positive. Although no significant difference was observed in the overall incidence of colorectal cancer based on long-term yogurt consumption, individuals who consumed more yogurt had a 20% lower rate of Bifidobacterium-positive tumors.
Kelsey Costa, a registered dietitian nutritionist, clarified the potential impact of Bifidobacterium on colorectal cancer risk, emphasizing its role in producing beneficial short-chain fatty acids and exhibiting anti-cancer properties. The presence of Bifidobacterium in tumor tissue may indicate compromised intestinal barrier function, with studies suggesting its ability to enhance gut health by reducing inflammatory proteins.
While observational, the study suggests a potential protective effect of yogurt consumption against a specific type of colorectal cancer by influencing the gut microbiome, specifically through the Bifidobacterium strain. Notably, different subtypes of Bifidobacterium have varied functions, yet the study did not establish causative relationships or mechanisms involved.
Incorporating natural, live yogurt into a balanced diet offers numerous nutrients and probiotics that can benefit immune function and overall health. However, caution is advised with flavored and fruit yogurts due to added sugars and other potentially unhealthy ingredients. Conversely, traditional Greek yogurt may promote bone health, muscle mass, and reduce the risk of certain health conditions.
Consuming high amounts of regular milk, equivalent to approximately 4 glasses per day, may heighten the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, opting for fermented milk products such as yogurt and kefir can provide the necessary essential nutrients without any identified adverse effects on cardiovascular health. Therefore, a recent study suggests that incorporating yogurt into your diet could potentially decrease the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer. It is important to ensure that the yogurt you consume is live and natural to fully reap its health benefits.
According to Costa, there is no specific guideline on how frequently one should consume yogurt. However, including a standard 1-cup serving of yogurt into your diet a few times a week or even daily could offer advantageous effects for the microbiome. For those who are not fond of yogurt, there are alternative fermented foods like coconut kefir, kimchi, miso, and sauerkraut that also contain probiotics known to support a healthy gut microbiome, as recommended by Costa. To access the original article, please visit Medical News Today.
