Vegetarian Diet Lowers Risk Of Colorectal Cancer

An analysis of the dietary habits and cancer incidence of vegetarians shed light on a significant health advantage over the non-vegetarian diet. The evidence found among nearly 78,000 Seventh-Day Adventist men and women suggests that vegetarians are much less likely to get colorectal cancer. Previous studies have shown that the vegetarian diet potentially reduces the risk of obesity, hypertension, diabetes and mortality. Compared with non-vegetarians, vegetarians had a 22 percent lower risk for all colorectal cancers, 19 percent lower risk for colon cancer and 29 percent lower risk for rectal cancer. The researchers suggested that these findings should be considered carefully in making dietary choices and in giving dietary guidance.