diet as a risk factor

Our eating habits affect our health. Canadian researchers have proven it again. In a study published in the specialist journal Nutrientsthey showed that certain diets were associated with a higher risk of prostate cancer.

An analysis by type of diet

The study analyzed food profiles, not foods specifically. “It is not easy to isolate the role of a single nutrient. For example, foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, promote the absorption of iron. As for calcium, it is generally consumed via products dairy products that also contain vitamin D,” said study author Karine Trudeau. Three food models were selected: a healthy diet, a western diet with salt and alcohol and another western diet with sweets and drinks. The first consists of lots of fruits, vegetables and vegetable proteins like tofu. The second diet is characterized by a high consumption of meat and alcohol. The last gives pride of place to pastas, pizzas, sweet desserts and soft drinks.

A healthy diet appears to reduce the risk

This work concluded that a healthy diet is associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer. On the contrary, a diet high in sugars exposes you to a higher risk of prostate cancer, often in a more aggressive form. The researchers found no clear association between a diet high in salt and alcohol and prostate cancer.

“We suspected for a long time that diet could play a role in the development of prostate cancer, but it was very difficult to understand which factors were actually involved”, indicated the director of the study, Marie- Élise Parent, with the hope that these results will lead to the development of new prevention strategies for this type of cancer. In Canada, more than 23,000 people are affected each year. In France, it is the most common cancer, with approximately 50,000 new cases discovered each year.