Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. According to statistics, it’s the third leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women in the United States.

The risk factors of colon cancer include age, family history, inflammatory bowel disease, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle. However, there’s good news. Studies show that eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of colon cancer significantly. In this article, we will discuss how you can reduce your colon cancer risk with one particular fruit.

What is Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the large intestine or colon. The colon is part of the digestive system that forms the last section of the large intestine.

Colon cancer usually begins as small, noncancerous clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps. Over time, some of these polyps can become colon cancer. Symptoms of colon cancer include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and unexplained weight loss.

What Causes Colon Cancer?

Although the exact cause of colon cancer is not known, researchers believe that a combination of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors play a role in its development. Some of the risk factors for colon cancer include:.

Older age
A family history of colon cancer
Inflammatory bowel disease
Smoking
Excessive alcohol consumption
Eating a high-fat, low-fiber diet
A sedentary lifestyle
Obesity

How Can You Reduce Your Colon Cancer Risk?

There are several ways you can reduce your colon cancer risk. Some of these include:.

Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
Exercising regularly
Quitting smoking
Limiting alcohol consumption
Maintaining a healthy weight

The Fruit that Reduces Colon Cancer Risk

The fruit that can significantly reduce your colon cancer risk is the black raspberry. Black raspberries are a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

Studies show that black raspberries have anti-cancer properties that can inhibit the growth of colon cancer cells.

In a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, researchers found that black raspberries could reduce the risk of colon cancer by up to 80%.

The study showed that black raspberries inhibited the growth of colon cancer cells by reducing the levels of inflammation in the colon.

Another study published in the Journal of Cancer Prevention found that black raspberry extract reduced the incidence of colon tumors in mice by 45%.

The study showed that black raspberry extract inhibited the growth of colon cancer cells by increasing the levels of tumor suppressor proteins.

How to Add Black Raspberries to Your Diet

Adding black raspberries to your diet is easy. You can eat them fresh or frozen. You can add them to your morning smoothie or sprinkle them on top of your yogurt.

You can also make a delicious black raspberry jam that you can enjoy with your whole-grain toast.

Conclusion

Colon cancer is a preventable disease, and eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables is one of the best ways to reduce your risk. Black raspberries are one of the best fruits you can eat to reduce your colon cancer risk significantly.

So, next time you are at the grocery store, make sure to pick up some black raspberries and enjoy the numerous health benefits they have to offer.