Medical Research
Could other fermented foods besides yogurt have similar benefits in preventing aggressive colon cancer?
According to Dr. Shuji Ogino, Professor of Pathology at Harvard Medical School, researchers hypothesize that other fermented foods may provide benefits similar to yogurt in potentially reducing the risk of aggressive colon cancer. The recent study focused on yogurt consumption, which contains beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium that can enhance gut barrier function. However, Dr. Ogino emphasizes that more research is needed to conclusively determine if other fermented foods offer comparable protective effects. This suggests that while the yogurt findings are promising, the scientific community requires additional studies to fully understand the broader relationship between various fermented foods and cancer prevention.
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CBS News
01:58 - 02:11
Which types of yogurt are best for reducing cancer risk?
Dr. Shuji Ogino from Harvard Medical School recommends unsweetened plain yogurt as the best choice for potential health benefits. His recommendation comes from comprehensive research following 130,000 individuals, which found regular yogurt consumption may lower the risk of aggressive colon cancer. He specifically cautions against yogurt products loaded with sugar, which have negative health effects including increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. The beneficial bacteria in plain yogurt contribute to gut health and may enhance gut barrier function, making unsweetened varieties the optimal choice for those concerned with cancer prevention.
Watch clip answer (00:22m)CBS News
01:17 - 01:39
How can yogurt consumption help protect against colon cancer?
According to new research, regular consumption of low-sugar yogurt may help protect against aggressive forms of colon cancer. A longitudinal study conducted by Dr. Shuji Ogino from Harvard Medical School, involving 130,000 participants over 30-40 years, found a significant association between yogurt consumption and reduced risk of proximal Bifidobacterium positive colorectal cancer. Unsweetened yogurt varieties appear to be particularly beneficial for maintaining gut health by enhancing gut barrier function. This protective effect highlights the importance of incorporating low-sugar yogurt into dietary choices for potential cancer prevention benefits.
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CBS News
00:01 - 00:13
How did researchers determine the benefits of yogurt against colorectal cancer?
Harvard Medical School researchers conducted an extensive longitudinal study involving 130,000 participants who were followed for 30-40 years. During this period, they documented and analyzed nearly all colorectal cancer incidents that occurred within the study cohort. This comprehensive approach allowed researchers to establish reliable connections between yogurt consumption and colorectal cancer risk, particularly for aggressive forms of the disease. The long-term nature of the study and large sample size provided robust statistical data to determine yogurt's protective benefits against colorectal cancer.
Watch clip answer (00:24m)CBS News
00:27 - 00:52
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