MORE: 8 Simple Ways To Significantly Lower Your Chances Of Ever Getting Cancer Researchers classified 100,000 Americans into one of five diet categories: vegan, lacto-ovo vegetarian (vegetarians who eat eggs and dairy at least once a month), pescovegetarians (vegetarians who abstain from all meat except fish), semi-vegetarian (people who eat meat a few times per month), and non-vegetarians. After an average of seven years, the scientists found that all types of vegetarians had a 20% lower risk of colorectal cancer (cancers of the colon and rectum) than omnivores. But for those who were pescovegetarians, the benefit was even greater: That diet was associated with a whopping 43% reduction in risk. What is a pescovegetarian diet? In general, pescovegetarians (or pescetarians, as they’re also known) shun meat and poultry, instead choosing fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, whole grains, eggs and dairy, and all types of seafood. MORE: 10 Cancer Symptoms Most People Ignore The study authors speculate that certain nutrients in fish-like anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids may provide extra protection against the cancers. Other new research supports the theory, too: One 2012 paper found that fish consumption was associated with a 12% drop in the risk for colorectal cancer. While the study authors say that the findings could be the result of total chance, they do know one thing for sure: “When it comes to specific foods and cancer risk, the strongest link is between red and processed meat and colorectal cancer,” says study author Michael J. Orlich, MD. This means scaling back on things like bacon, sausage, cured ham, and beef—whether you go full vegetarian or not—still looks like the best choice you can make for now.
