Tofu consumption linked to lower stomach cancer risk.

Reduce Your Risk of Stomach Cancer with Tofu

Introduction

Stomach cancer is a prevalent form of cancer with a high mortality rate. However, a recent Korean study published in February 2023 in the authoritative journal European Journal of Nutrition revealed that individuals who consume high amounts of soy products, such as tofu, may significantly reduce their risk of developing stomach cancer.

Risk Factors for Stomach Cancer

The medical community believes an unhealthy diet, obesity, and Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) bacterial infection are among the numerous risk factors associated with stomach cancer. Stomach cancer typically affects men more frequently than women, with most cases occurring in individuals over 60.

Notable Cases

Nevertheless, stomach cancer claimed the life of Naonobu Fujii, a renowned Japanese men’s volleyball player, on March 31, 2023. The renowned British composer Andrew Lloyd Webber also lost his son Nicholas, who was only 43 years old, to stomach cancer in March 2023.

The Power of Tofu

According to a recent study, tofu is a food that has a better preventive effect against stomach cancer. Tofu, derived from soybeans, is a highly nutritious food that is packed with protein, low in sodium and saturated fat, and cholesterol-free. In addition to its affordability, tofu is also known for its disease-fighting properties.

The Study

According to the Health Examinees (HEXA) study conducted from 2004 to 2013 involving 139,267 South Koreans aged 40 to 69, a team of researchers from Seoul University found that men who consumed two servings of tofu per week had a 37 percent lower risk of stomach cancer than those who seldom consumed tofu. The researchers followed these individuals for an average of 9.21 years, an ample amount of time to collect accurate data. However, the association between tofu consumption and a lower risk of stomach cancer was not observed in overweight or obese men. The study also noted that tofu intake varied depending on body weight.

The Science Behind It

After analyzing the data, the research team concluded that soy foods may lower the risk of stomach cancer due to genistein and isoflavone, which possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. According to studies, these compounds reduce cell proliferation in the mucosa and hinder the growth of H. pylori, the bacteria that can cause gastric cancer.

Ensuring the Safety of Soy-Based Foods

Soy foods have been found to lower the risk of various cancers, including breast and prostate while offering preventive benefits against cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and other health issues. Despite this, patients diagnosed with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer may harbor concerns regarding the potentially harmful effects of consuming soy foods.

According to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, phytoestrogens have a different structure than human estrogens and are considerably less potent. Phytoestrogens, when consumed, do not transform into estrogens within the body. Consuming soy in moderate amounts through food does not promote the growth of cancer cells. In countries across Asia, where a healthy diet often includes soy-based foods, the occurrence of prostate and breast cancer is typically lower. Consuming soy in its natural food form, like tofu, refried beans, and soymilk, is considered safe, even for cancer patients. Cancer patients need not eliminate all sources of soy foods from their diet.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tofu is a highly nutritious food that can significantly reduce the risk of developing stomach cancer. It is important to note that tofu is not recommended for individuals with soy food allergies. Additionally, if you experience bloating after consuming tofu, it’s advisable to consume it in moderation. Let’s value and honor nature by using natural methods and traditional wisdom to produce nutritious food.

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