Study: Eating this vegetable can reduce the risk of colon cancer by 40%

COLON and rectal cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the world. Research shows that diet can play a major role in its prevention. For example, higher consumption of processed and red meat is associated with a higher risk, while a diet rich in fiber can help reduce it. There is also evidence that dairy products, especially those rich in probiotics, may have a protective effect, while frequent alcohol consumption increases the risk.

That is exactly why researchers from Italy analyzed the eating habits of almost 2,000 patients and more than 4,000 healthy people. In particular, they studied the intake of carotenoids – pigments present in fruits and vegetables – and found a clear connection. A higher intake of carotenoids has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of colon cancer.

The greatest effect was seen with beta-carotene. Eating foods rich in this pigment was linked to a 40 percent lower risk of colon and rectal cancer, reports EatingWell .

Increasing your intake of carotenoid-rich foods may be a simple and effective way to reduce your risk of disease.

In addition to beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, and lutein and zeaxanthin also showed a protective effect. The higher the intake, the lower the risk, suggesting a strong and consistent association between these nutrients and gut health.

Carotenoids act as antioxidants and help prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells. In this study, the most common sources of carotenoids were carrots, citrus fruits, leafy vegetables, tomatoes, and peas. Although the research method itself has limitations, such as relying on dietary questionnaires, the results provide important evidence on the role of plant-based foods in reducing the risk of cancer.

The researchers concluded that increasing your intake of carotenoid-rich foods – such as carrots, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, spinach, kale or citrus fruits – may be a simple and effective way to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer. In other words, the more brightly colored fruits and vegetables you have on your plate, the better your chances of protecting your health.