Eating More Tofu May Reduce the Risk of Stomach Cancer: Study

Stomach cancer is a prevalent form of cancer with a high mortality rate. 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. 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. 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. Which foods have a better preventive effect against stomach cancer? According to a recent study, the answer is tofu. 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. 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. 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. Professor Kang Daehee, who led the study, said, “Soy contains physiologically active compounds that enhance immune function and activate immune cells such as NK cells but also can prevent DNA damage and facilitate repair.” A study published in 2020 in the prestigious journal Cancer Science also showed that soy foods reduce the risk of stomach cancer from all causes and the risk of death from stomach 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. The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute showed that: 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. According to the institute, current scientific studies have also shown that: 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. At present, genetically modified (GM) soybeans account for 90 percent of the total soybean production in the United States. This has raised concerns among the public regarding the potential health hazards associated with consuming GM soybeans. The novelty of GM foods prevents definitive conclusions about their effects on human health from being drawn. Therefore, it is essential that more extensive long-term observations on human consumption be done. GM foods are grown differently from naturally grown food. According to Dr. Jingduan Yang, a faculty member at the University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, we should value and honor nature by using natural methods and traditional wisdom to produce nutritious food. According to Wei-Chieh Hung, the director of family medicine at E-Da Hospital in Taiwan, beans are an exceptional source of protein. The National Health Service in Taiwan lists beans as a top protein source, alongside fish, eggs, and meat. He also said consuming tofu was once thought to pose certain health risks, such as gout. However, recent studies have debunked this myth and have shown that beans do not increase the likelihood of gout attacks. Inste

Eating More Tofu May Reduce the Risk of Stomach Cancer: Study

Stomach cancer is a prevalent form of cancer with a high mortality rate. 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.

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. 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.

Which foods have a better preventive effect against stomach cancer? According to a recent study, the answer is tofu.

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.

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.

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.

Professor Kang Daehee, who led the study, said, “Soy contains physiologically active compounds that enhance immune function and activate immune cells such as NK cells but also can prevent DNA damage and facilitate repair.”

A study published in 2020 in the prestigious journal Cancer Science also showed that soy foods reduce the risk of stomach cancer from all causes and the risk of death from stomach 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.

The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute showed that:

  • 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.

According to the institute, current scientific studies have also shown that:

  • 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.

At present, genetically modified (GM) soybeans account for 90 percent of the total soybean production in the United States. This has raised concerns among the public regarding the potential health hazards associated with consuming GM soybeans.

The novelty of GM foods prevents definitive conclusions about their effects on human health from being drawn. Therefore, it is essential that more extensive long-term observations on human consumption be done.

GM foods are grown differently from naturally grown food. According to Dr. Jingduan Yang, a faculty member at the University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, we should value and honor nature by using natural methods and traditional wisdom to produce nutritious food.

According to Wei-Chieh Hung, the director of family medicine at E-Da Hospital in Taiwan, beans are an exceptional source of protein. The National Health Service in Taiwan lists beans as a top protein source, alongside fish, eggs, and meat.

He also said consuming tofu was once thought to pose certain health risks, such as gout. However, recent studies have debunked this myth and have shown that beans do not increase the likelihood of gout attacks. Instead, wine, seafood, and soup are the main culprits. 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.