Never stop drinking milk. According to a recent study, this dairy product, rich in calcium and vitamins, is the key to protection against bowel cancer, one of the deadliest and third most common cancers worldwide.

Researchers at the University of Oxford have suggested that drinking the equivalent of a glass of milk every day reduces the risk of developing the disease by about a fifth, or 17 per cent.

bowel or stomach cancer It starts in your large intestine and develops from some polyps in the inner lining of your colon. Doctors say regular screening tests can detect precancerous polyps before they develop into cancerous tumors, after which they become extremely difficult to treat as they can spread fatally.

How does milk prevent cancer?,

Research published in journal nature communication97 dietary factors and their effects on bowel cancer risk were examined in more than 5 lakh women. Over approximately 17 years, 12,251 participants were diagnosed, with calcium and alcohol showing the most significant effects on risk reduction and increase, respectively.

The study concluded that on average, adding 300 mg calcium In your daily diet, the amount found in about a large glass of milk reduced the risk of bowel cancer by 17 percent. Several other foods rich in calcium, such as leafy vegetables and yogurt, also show a protective effect, suggesting that the mineral itself does the heavy lifting.

However, researchers have not identified similar benefits from eating cheese or ice cream, although cheese has been linked to some other health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease and sleep apnea.

Health Benefits of Calcium

It has been clinically proven that calcium strengthens your bones and teeth – but it is now also believed to provide important protection against cancer. “Calcium binds with bile acids and free fatty acids, forming a harmless “soap” that prevents them from damaging the gut lining,” Dr Karen Papier, lead researcher on the study, told Cancer Research UK.

Why does the risk of bowel cancer increase?

According to the study, Intestinal cancer increases due to alcohol consumption Risk, because drinking the equivalent of a large glass of wine per day can increase your risk by at least 15 percent.

Processed and red meat are also linked to higher bowel cancer risk.

Experts say rates of early-stage colorectal cancer are rising, and while experts have yet to pinpoint the exact cause, some speculate that a Western-style diet is to blame.

Other ways to reduce the risk of colon cancer

Some other ways you can reduce your risk of bowel cancer include:

• eating plenty of fiber from whole grains
• eating seasonal fruits and vegetables
• avoid processed meat
• limit red meat
• maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly
• quit smoking

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