25-09 - Flipbook - Page 144
Mi n i str i es
A major study involving nearly 80,000 Seventh-day Adventists in the US and Canada has revealed that vegetarian diets are linked to significantly lower cancer risks. Over more than a decade of follow-up, researchers
found that vegetarians had a 45% lower risk of stomach cancer and a 25% lower risk of lymphomas compared
to non-vegetarians. Overall, their risk of developing any type of cancer was 12% lower, even though both
groups shared generally health-conscious lifestyles.
The clearest benefits were seen in cancers of the digestive system, where diet plays a direct role through food
interactions with gut tissues and microbes. The findings align with previous evidence linking processed meat to
gastrointestinal cancers. While vegetarian diets did not show strong protection against cancers of the urinary
tract or nervous system, the data hinted at possible lower risks of lung, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers as
well.
Researchers emphasize that while these associations are compelling, they do not prove cause and effect. Still,
the results highlight how dietary choices can strongly influence long-term health outcomes, particularly when
it comes to diet-related cancers. Balanced nutrition remains essential, especially in regions with limited access
to diverse plant-based foods.
