As one important part of the digestive tract, colon cancer has the potential of developing the disease due to food consumed each day. One type of food that can increase the risk of cancer of the colon is red meat and processed meat (processed meat).
Various research previously mentioned, the consumption of red meat and processed meats like sausage bad for the health risk. Those who love to eat red meat proved to have a greater risk of death due to cancer or heart problems.
Studies in the United States has found new evidence that strengthens the theory. According to latest reports the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) and the World Cancer Research Fund, those who are fond of eating red meat were more likely to get colon cancer.
Results of research AICR states, people who consume about 100 grams of red meat, like beef, lamb, or pig, every day has a 17 percent increased risk of colon cancer than those who do not eat red meat. While people who eat up to 200 grams of red meat per day had a 34 percent higher risk.
Meanwhile, people who eat at least 100 grams of processed meat every day had a 36 percent greater chance of colon cancer than those who do not. That included processed meat here is the ham, pork, and sausages, which have been linked biggest health hazard.
Research also shows that reducing the consumption of red meat and processed meat can cut the risk of colon cancer. In addition, by changing lifestyle patterns, such as reducing alcohol drinking, consumption of fiber, exercise regularly, and maintain weight, about 45 percent of colon cancer, or more than 64,000 cases per year-could be prevented.
Why red meat?
Research so far has not been able to explain how certain mechanisms of red meat or processed meat increases colorectal cancer risk. But, according to experts, there are a number of theories that can be used as guidance.
Some research indicates that chemical compounds called heterocyclicamines, produced when meat is cooked in high temperatures, can play a role. In addition, processed meat are usually made with a variety of ways, ranging from smoked, dikari, marinated, or with added preservatives such as nitrates.
Well, if processed meats containing nitrates enter the body, this substance will then be transformed into nitrosamines, which are known as one of the triggers of cancer.
"Looks like processed meats and may have some relation to the risk of colon cancer," said Steven H. Zeisel, MD, PhD, an expert in nutrition from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
Zeisel also has suggestions for those who want to avoid colon cancer. "Setting the intake of red meat, try to reduce it, looking for a replacement with another type of meat, or eat vegetables would be a good choice," he said.
Those who want to avoid colon cancer are also advised to avoid alcohol, maintain ideal weight, regular exercise, and eat more foods containing fiber.
Source: WebMD
