Scientists have identified a food that strengthens the intestines and protects against the development of dangerous cancer.

A recent study has revealed that incorporating yogurt into one’s diet may provide protection against certain types of colorectal cancer. Researchers have long explored its potential health benefits, particularly due to the live bacterial cultures it contains, but the findings from scientific studies have been inconclusive. A new analysis sheds light on the relationship between yogurt consumption and specific subtypes of colorectal cancer, according to Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health.

The research, led by epidemiologist Shuji Ogino from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard University, published in the journal Gut Microbes, analyzed data from over 130,000 individuals who were monitored for more than three decades. Although the scientists did not find a significant link between yogurt consumption and overall colorectal cancer rates, which is the third most common cancer worldwide, they noticed a notable connection when examining cancer subtypes.

Participants who consumed two or more servings of yogurt per week had a 20% lower incidence of bifidobacteria-positive tumors, particularly in the proximal colon, compared to those who consumed less than one serving a month.

Bifidobacterium is a common bacterium found in the human gut, present in many yogurts. However, our gut and food are not its only sources. In approximately 30% of colorectal cancer cases, tumors containing this bacterium are found, which are often more aggressive. The presence of Bifidobacterium in tumors suggests that it may penetrate the intestinal barrier more easily in some individuals.

Paradoxically, regular consumption of Bifidobacterium-rich yogurt may help prevent this bacterial translocation, potentially due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that enhance the integrity of the intestinal barrier, the study authors stated.

While these findings are largely observational and further research is needed to establish causality, they contribute to the growing body of evidence linking diet, gut microbiome composition, and cancer risk. As Dr. Ogino notes, understanding how long-term dietary habits impact the presence of specific bacteria in tissues can strengthen the evidence connecting diet to our body’s protection against serious diseases.

However, it is essential to remember that while yogurt may benefit our gut, a holistic approach to health, including a balanced diet rich in fiber, regular physical activity, and routine medical check-ups, is necessary to reduce cancer risk.

Important! This article is based on the latest scientific and medical research and does not contradict them. The text is for informational purposes only and does not contain medical advice. To establish a diagnosis, be sure to consult a physician.