A Tasty Snack to Reduce Your Risk of Bladder Cancer

A study published in the October 2008 edition of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that eating two servings of yogurt a day can reduce the risk of bladder cancer by 40 percent.

For the study, 82,000 participants were asked to fill out a food frequency questionnaire over the course of nine years. The questionnaire assessed the average intake of 96 different foods and beverages.

After reviewing the data, researchers found that yogurt consumption reduced the risk of bladder cancer in men by 36 per cent and in women by 45 per cent. The data did not indicate any significant link between consumption of other dairy products and bladder cancer risk.

Researchers noted that the anti-carcinogenic benefits of the yogurt were likely due its lactic acid content. Lactic acid is found in fermented milk products and has been shown to suppress bladder cancer in previous animal studies.

Based on participant's answers to other questions asked in the study, researchers identified that people who consumed yogurt also tended to lead healthier and more physically active lifestyles.

This study adds to the increasing body of evidence associating yogurt with bladder health benefits, but it's not the only food that may help prevent bladder cancer. A recent study published the journal Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention found that cruciferous vegetables like broccoli may reduce bladder cancer risk by as much as 36 percent.

In addition to bladder health, yogurt has also been linked to a number of other benefits. The tasty snack has been shown to help prevent osteoporosis, aid in digestion and promote gut health. Some studies have shown it may even reduce the risk of colon cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.