For years, plant-based diets have been celebrated for their benefits on heart health and sleep quality. A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicates they may also significantly reduce the risk of certain cancers, with some estimates suggesting a decrease of nearly 50 percent. The research, led by Gary Fraser, an epidemiologist at Loma Linda University in the US, analyzed medical records from 79,468 Seventh-day Adventists in the US and Canada between 2002 and 2007. None of the participants had cancer at the study’s onset, but follow-up data gathered up to 2015 revealed notable differences between vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
According to the findings, vegetarians were 45 percent less likely to develop stomach cancer and 25 percent less likely to be diagnosed with lymphomas. Overall, their risk across all cancers was 12 percent lower. Fraser commented on the significance of the results, noting that many non-vegetarian participants were also health-conscious, making the findings particularly noteworthy. The research highlights that the most significant effects were observed in the gastrointestinal system, which closely interacts with food during digestion. It is already established that processed meats are risk factors for certain cancers, while diets abundant in fruits, vegetables, and some types of fish and meats may offer protective benefits.
However, the study cautions that vegetarian diets are not a cure-all and may not be effective against cancers of the urinary tract or nervous system. While there were trends suggesting reduced risks for cancers of the lung, ovary, and pancreas, the evidence was insufficient to make definitive conclusions. Fraser emphasized that although the study was extensive and long-term, it reflects associations rather than establishing direct causation. Those who avoid meat may also engage in other healthy behaviors, such as increased physical activity, which could contribute to their lower cancer risk.
Moreover, vegetarian diets require careful planning to avoid nutritional deficiencies, which can be more challenging in areas lacking access to fresh produce. Researchers advocate that it is unnecessary to adopt a fully vegan lifestyle to reap health benefits; simply increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables can significantly impact long-term health outcomes.
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/can-going-vegetarian-really-cut-your-cancer-risk-by-nearly-half-heres-what-a-study-says/articleshow/123286165.cms
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Publish Date: 2025-08-13 22:57:00
