Eating red meat increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer, The Mirror reports.
“A number of factors are known to increase the risk of bowel cancer <…>. Diet remains one of these factors, in particular the consumption of red meat and processed meat products increases the likelihood of developing the disease,” the publication states.
This type of cancer ranks fourth in prevalence in the United Kingdom, and an alarming trend has emerged: the disease is increasingly affecting younger people, according to RIA Novosti. For example, in 2019, patients under the age of 55 accounted for 20% of all cases — twice as many as in 1995.
The article also cites a study published in Nature Communications, stating that the risk of colon cancer can be reduced by 17% by consuming 300 milligrams of calcium per day in addition to one’s regular diet. The Oxford University study analyzed data from more than 542,000 women. Researchers found that people who consumed dairy products and foods rich in nutrients such as vitamin B2, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium had a lower risk of colorectal cancer.
It is noted that this recommended amount of calcium is contained in one glass of milk, three tablespoons of chia seeds, or a serving of Greek yogurt.
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