Some vegetarians are stricter than others, but vegetarians typically do not eat meat, poultry or fish. Some vegetarians consume eggs or dairy products, while vegans consume no animal products at all. Vegetarian diets have a number of health benefits, including lowering your risk for developing certain types of cancer.
Colon Cancer
Following a vegetarian diet may lower your risk for colon cancer, especially if you follow this diet for a large part of your life, according to a study presented at presented at Digestive Disease Week 2007, reports ScienceDaily.com. However, other studies, including a study published in 2009 in the "British Journal of Cancer," have found no link between colon cancer and vegetarianism. The study authors note that this study may have been too small, as the largest study into the relationship between vegetarianism and colon cancer did find an increase in cancer risk for those who consumed meat.
Possible Causes
Consuming meat, especially red meat and processed meats, may increase cancer risk, according to the Cancer Project. Other reasons why a vegetarian diet may lower colon cancer risk include increased fiber, phytochemical, antioxidant, vitamin and mineral intake and decreased saturated fat, cholesterol and protein intake.
Other Benefits
Vegetarians are more likely to consume the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables and whole grains and to adopt healthier lifestyles in general. Therefore, vegetarian diets may also lower your risk for diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity and other types of cancer besides colon cancer.
Considerations
Not all vegetarian diets are healthy. Vegetarian diets need to be well-planned to include all of the essential nutrients. Also, vegetarians still need to limit their intake of saturated fat and cholesterol to get the health benefits of this diet. Consuming lots of fruits and vegetables and whole grains and limiting processed foods will provide the most health benefits.
References
- Cancer Project; Can a Vegetarian Diet Help Prevent Colon Cancer?; Jennifer K. Reilly, R.D.; April 2006
- American Cancer Society; Vegetarianism; May 2010
- Science Daily; Life Long Vegetarian Diet Reduces The Risk of Colorectal Cancer; May 2007
- "British Journal of Cancer"; Cancer Incidence in British Vegetarians; T.J. Key, et al.; June 2009
