Meat: New Villain in Colon Cancer
Until recently, eating a high-fiber diet was thought to prevent colon cancer, but it has proved disappointing. Now the focus has shifted to “excessive meat consumption,” says Jeffrey R. Prince of the American Institute for Cancer Research.
Possible villains in meat: heme iron, nitrates, nitrosamines and salt in processed meats, and heterocyclic amines in meats cooked at high heat. Also, high meat intake produces gut byproducts that are carcinogens.
Prince says the benefits of fiber aren’t ruled out. Besides, high-fiber eaters are likely to eat less meat and vice versa.
Other colon cancer factors: obesity, a lack of folic acid and little exercise.
This EatSmart column is reprinted from USAWEEKEND Magazine and is copyrighted by Jean Carper. It cannot be reprinted without permission from Jean Carper.
Pingback: Study Finds Nitrates Boost Exercise Endurance - So Are They Friend or Foe? | Live in the Now | Natural Health News | Natural Health Resources