Microbiome
What did the long-term study about yogurt consumption reveal about colorectal cancer risk?
The study, conducted over decades with more than 130,000 participants from the Nurses Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-up Study, found that regular consumption of unsweetened yogurt (two or more servings weekly) may reduce the risk of aggressive colorectal cancer. This protective effect is likely due to beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium present in yogurt that improve gut health. The research represents significant long-term dedication from participants and investigators, highlighting the importance of dietary choices in cancer prevention.
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CBS News
02:19 - 02:45
How does yogurt help protect against colorectal cancer?
According to a Harvard Medical School study following 130,000 people over 30-40 years, regular yogurt consumption (two or more servings weekly) is associated with lower rates of aggressive colon cancer. Researchers found that yogurt contains Bifidobacterium strains that promote gut health and enhance the gut barrier function. The longitudinal study demonstrated that long-term yogurt intake specifically reduces the risk of proximal Bifidobacterium-positive cancer. This suggests yogurt's beneficial bacteria create a stronger intestinal barrier, providing protection against certain aggressive forms of colorectal cancer.
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00:05 - 01:17
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.
Watch clip answer (00:13m)CBS News
01:58 - 02:11
How can yogurt consumption help reduce the risk of colon cancer?
According to a new study, consuming two or more servings of yogurt weekly may significantly lower the risk of aggressive colon cancer. Researchers attribute this protective effect to the beneficial bacteria in yogurt, which helps maintain gut health and creates a stronger intestinal barrier. The bacteria in yogurt appears to support overall digestive health, potentially preventing the development of aggressive colon cancer cells. This research highlights the importance of regularly incorporating low-sugar yogurt into one's diet as a simple preventive measure against certain types of cancer.
Watch clip answer (00:23m)CBS News
00:01 - 00:24
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