New research shows higher fish and fruit intake combined with eliminating soft drinks dramatically lowers risk of advanced colorectal polyps, a key precursor to cancer.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
A dietary pattern centered on fish, fruit and the elimination of soft drinks significantly lowers the risk of colorectal cancer precursors, according to research presented at the ESMO 19th World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer.
The study, involving 808 adults between the ages of 40 and 70 undergoing colonoscopy screening, examined how adherence to key components of the Mediterranean diet influenced the presence of pre-cancerous colorectal lesions. None of the participants were considered high risk for colorectal cancer at the outset of the research. Each completed detailed dietary surveys alongside medical and lifestyle assessments.
Researchers evaluated adherence based on above-average intake of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, whole grains, poultry and fish, and monounsaturated fats such as olive oil. Diets lower in red meat, alcohol and soft drinks were also considered more consistent with the Mediterranean pattern.
The findings identified two dietary factors with the strongest protective association: higher consumption of fish and fruits. When combined with the avoidance of soft drinks, the effect intensified.
Participants who eliminated soft drinks while consuming elevated levels of fish and fruit experienced a 30% lower likelihood of developing pre-cancerous colorectal lesions compared to individuals who did not follow those dietary practices. Those who incorporated two or three protective components—such as fish, fruits and no soda—cut their risk of advanced polyps by roughly half. The most consistent adherents, combining all three elements, showed up to an 86% reduction in risk.
“The more components of the Mediterranean diet people adopted, the lower their risk of advanced polyps. The strongest protective effect came from eating fish and fruits while avoiding soft drinks,” said Dr. Naomi Fliss Isakov, the study’s lead author.
Advanced colorectal polyps are widely recognized as significant precursors to colorectal cancer. Reducing their development is considered a critical strategy in long-term cancer prevention.
Researchers noted that soft drinks are frequently associated with inflammatory responses, insulin resistance and disruptions in gut health—factors believed to contribute to polyp formation. Removing such beverages from the diet appeared to amplify the protective impact of nutrient-dense foods.
The findings add to a broader body of research examining Mediterranean-style diets and cancer prevention. A study published in JAMA involving 4,282 women aged 60 to 80 found that participants who followed a Mediterranean diet enriched with olive oil and nuts experienced a 68% lower risk of breast cancer compared to those following a low-fat diet. While additional studies are needed to clarify long-term mechanisms, researchers have pointed to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the diet’s core foods as likely contributors.
The Mediterranean eating pattern emphasizes whole, minimally processed foods. Fruits commonly consumed within this approach contain naturally occurring compounds studied for their biological effects. Citrus fruits provide vitamin C and flavonoids associated with antioxidant activity. Camu camu is recognized for its high antioxidant concentration. Gardenia fruit contains genipin, which has been studied for its cellular effects. Goji berries have been examined for anti-tumoral properties in laboratory settings. Soursop, also known as graviola, contains acetogenins that have been studied for their interaction with cancer cells.
Beyond cancer prevention, the Mediterranean diet has been consistently associated with improved cardiovascular health, weight management and increased longevity in multiple populations.
Researchers emphasize that dietary patterns are modifiable risk factors. Increasing fish intake—particularly omega-3-rich varieties—raising fruit consumption and eliminating soft drinks represent measurable lifestyle adjustments shown in this study to significantly influence colorectal health outcomes.
The authors concluded that adherence to key Mediterranean diet components offers a non-pharmaceutical approach to lowering the risk of advanced colorectal polyps, a major step in reducing colorectal cancer incidence.
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Source: Natural News
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