Numerous studies have linked a high intake of red meat or processed meats to colon cancer.
Health expert, Karen Owoc, explained to KRON 4’s Marty Gonzalez why eating animal protein and fat are to blame.
Bile is a fluid made and released by the liver and stored in the gallbladder until it is needed. It assists with digestion by breaking down fats.
Bile acids stimulate the growth of bacteria, which convert the primary bile acids into secondary bile acids.
Bile acids, particularly secondary bile acids, have long been suspected as being cancer-causing.
Eating more fat means more fat and bile acids in the colon.
A high intake of saturated fat is associated with high levels of bile, which is usually evident in colon cancer patients.
High saturated fats + high levels of bile are factors that produce colorectal cancer tumors.
Meat Sources High in Saturated Fat
* Meat – e.g., fatty cuts of beef, pork, lamb
* Processed / deli meats – salami, sausages, chicken skin
It has long been known that people who follow a plant-based diet have less bile in their stools, so their capacity to form carcinogens in the colon is low.
They produce about 70% less of the secondary bile acids linked to cancer compared to meat-eaters.
After just ONE WEEK on a plant-based diet, the growth of toxic and carcinogenic bacteria was reduced by 50%.
Reduce Colon Cancer Risk Factors
* Eliminate red meat or limit to 3 oz. per week or less
* Stop smoking
* Reduce alcohol consumption
* Maintain normal weight
The Takeaway: Less fat is better. Limit animal fat and reduce/eliminate baked goods and whole milk dairy products, e.g., butter, cheese, and ice cream.