Good cholesterol linked to reduced risk of bowel cancer
May1220111:50 p.m.
New evidence (1) suggests that high levels of HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol, known as ‘good’ cholesterol, are associated with a reduced risk of bowel cancer. The study aimed to examine the association of different blood components such as : total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), low density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides (blood fats) as well as other markers and the incidence of colorectal cancer.
Eating whole and unrefined foods may help to raise levels of HDL (Good) Cholesterol
The study was conducted as part of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC), which is a cohort of over than 520 000 participants from 10 western European countries including the UK. Over 1200 people who developed bowel and rectal cancers (779 bowel and 459 rectal cancer) were matched with an equal number of participants (control participants) of the same age, gender and nationality. Blood samples were taken and specialised dietary questionnaires were also collected from both groups.
The results showed(1) that those participants who had the highest levels of HDL cholesterol had the lowest risk of developing bowel cancer. Further analysis showed that each rise of 16.6 mg/dl in HDL cholesterol reduced the risk of bowel cancer by 22% after taking account of diet, lifestyle, and weight and other factors. However, it was found that HDL and apoA levels had no impact on the risk of rectal cancer. The association between high HDL and lowered risk of bowel cancer remained irrespective of other indicators of inflammation, insulin resistance, and oxygen free radicals levels, all of which are associated with the development of cancer (1,2).
In their discussion the authors of the study explained that low HDL levels have been linked to higher levels of proteins involved in inflammation, while higher levels of proteins that dampen down the inflammatory response have also been linked to high HDL levels. The pro inflammatory proteins boost cell growth and proliferation while curbing cell death, so HDL may alter the inflammatory process in some way, they suggest. They conclude that “These findings show that high concentrations of serum HDL are associated with a decreased risk of colon cancer. The mechanism behind this association needs further elucidation”. Further studies are certainly needed before any firm conclusions can be made.
Fish Oils are rich in Omega 3, which may help to keep blood fat levels within healthy ranges
I have previously written about cholesterol levels and the way that diet can impact both HDL (good) cholesterol as well as LDL (‘bad’) cholesterol. Exercising and eating a healthy balanced diet rich in unprocessed, unrefined foods, vegetables, fruits, wholegrains, nuts/seeds, pulses/beans, unprocessed meats and fish, especially oily fish which is rich in omega 3 fats, is a good way to begin to provide the body with optimal nutrition which can help to keep blood fat levels within healthy ranges.
(1)Van Duijnhoven FJBet al. 2011. Blood lipid and lipoprotein concentrations and colorectal cancer risk in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition. Gut. E-Pub. 7 March 2011 DOI: 10.1136/gut.2010.225011
(2)Press Release. BMJ-British Medical Journal (2011, March 7). High levels of ‘good’ cholesterol may cut bowel cancer risk. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 8, 2011, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2011/03/110307184638.htm
Written by Ani Richardson
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