fermented foods
How does yogurt consumption affect colon cancer risk?
According to Dr. Shuji Ogino's research, long-term yogurt consumption is associated with a lower risk of proximal Bifidobacterium-positive cancer. The study particularly focused on Bifidobacterium, a beneficial bacteria found in yogurt that appears to provide protective effects against aggressive forms of colon cancer. The findings suggest that yogurt may enhance gut barrier function, potentially creating a protective mechanism against cancer development. This research indicates that including unsweetened yogurt in one's diet could be a simple dietary choice that contributes to cancer prevention through the beneficial action of probiotic bacteria.
Watch clip answer (00:22m)
CBS News
00:55 - 01:17
What did Dr. Shuji Ogino's decades-long health study reveal about yogurt and colon cancer?
Dr. Ogino's research, spanning decades and involving over 130,000 participants from the Nurses' Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-up Study, found that yogurt consumption can significantly reduce the risk of aggressive colon cancer. This benefit is primarily attributed to yogurt's gut-friendly bacteria, particularly Bifidobacterium, which enhances gut barrier function. The study emphasizes consuming unsweetened plain yogurt rather than sugary varieties for optimal health benefits. These findings suggest potential broader implications for cancer prevention through dietary choices, particularly fermented foods.
Watch clip answer (00:21m)CBS News
02:19 - 02:41
Which types of yogurt are best for health benefits?
According to Dr. Shuji Ogino from Harvard Medical School, unsweetened plain yogurt is the best choice for maximizing health benefits. This recommendation comes from research following over 130,000 participants for 30-40 years, which found that consuming two or more servings of yogurt weekly was associated with lower rates of specific types of colorectal cancer. The beneficial bacteria in yogurt help maintain a healthy gut barrier, potentially providing protection against aggressive colon cancer. Dr. Ogino specifically advises against sugar-laden yogurt options, as they may diminish the health benefits while adding unnecessary sugar to your diet.
Watch clip answer (00:10m)CBS News
01:17 - 01:28
How does yogurt consumption affect colon cancer risk according to Harvard research?
According to Dr. Shuji Ogino's Harvard Medical School research, yogurt consumption is linked to reduced risk of aggressive colon cancer. The comprehensive study, which tracked 130,000 individuals for up to 40 years, found that probiotics, particularly Bifidobacterium in yogurt, enhance gut barrier function, potentially providing protective effects against cancer development. Dr. Ogino specifically recommends unsweetened plain yogurt as the healthiest option, cautioning against sugar-laden varieties that may increase health risks. This groundbreaking research highlights fermented foods' potential role in cancer prevention and opens new avenues for further studies in nutritional approaches to cancer risk reduction.
Watch clip answer (00:06m)CBS News
02:41 - 02:47
What other types of food might offer the same benefit as yogurt in preventing colorectal cancer?
Dr. Shuji Ogino hypothesizes that other fermented foods may provide similar benefits to yogurt in preventing aggressive colorectal cancer. This aligns with their research hypothesis about the protective effects of fermented foods containing beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium found in plain yogurt. However, Dr. Ogino emphasizes that more studies are needed to conclusively determine the effects of various fermented foods. While their comprehensive 30-year study with 130,000 participants showed strong evidence for yogurt's benefits, additional research is required to confirm whether other fermented foods offer comparable protection against colorectal cancer.
Watch clip answer (00:25m)CBS News
01:46 - 02:11