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Due to their nutritional properties, foods such as spinach, cabbage and broccoli help reduce the risk of bowel cancer – iStock/Getty Images
Study conducted by Imperial College London School of Public Health reveals that some natural foods can protect the intestine against the development of cancer. This is the case, for example, of some green leaves such as spinachcabbage and broccoli which, according to the results obtained, can reduce the chances of disease in the organs of the digestive region by up to 7%.
Still according to the evidence observed, the increase in folate present in these foods is what provides protection and ensures good intestinal functioning.
To understand the relationship between the two factors, researchers analyzed data from more than 70,000 individuals with the goal of identifying genetic variants that may modify how dietary folate (vitamin B9), folic acid supplements, and total folate may influence the risk of colorectal cancer.
The survey revealed that the risk of the disease was reduced by 7% for every 260 micrograms of increased folate consumption in the diet – which corresponds to 65% of the recommended daily amount (400 micrograms).
Cancer prevention
For the experts involved in the study, the results show that folate provides significant effectiveness in preventing bowel cancer. And most importantly: through regular intake levels that can be achieved through diet.
The study also draws attention to other sources of folate in your diet, which include sunflower seeds, whole grains, legumes such as chickpeas, lentils and beans, and fruits, especially citrus fruits such as oranges. Folate is also available as a supplement in the form of folic acid.
