Study Suggests That Pill Can Cut Hereditary Cancer Risk by 60 Percent

A years-long trial appears to have shown that resistant starch, a molecule found in a range of everyday foods including slightly underripe bananas, oats, peas and beans, rice, pasta and more, can help prevent a range of hereditary cancer.

The double-blind longitudinal study followed nearly 1,000 patients with Lynch Syndrome, an inherited genetic condition that increases the individual risk of several cancers for almost two decades.

The researchers at the universities placed people in two groups in 1999. The treatment period ended in 2005.

Each person received a pill. One group took a placebo while the other took a daily dose.

At the end of the short treatment period, there was no noticeable difference in the health of the individuals. The study found that those who took the daily pill had a higher chance of being cancer-free than those who didn't.

A range of cancers were reduced by over 60 percent. The upper part of the gut was the place where the effect was most obvious. Cancers of the upper GI tract are hard to diagnose and often are not caught early on.

The researchers think that the secret to resistance is its ability to resist.

It doesn't resist acidic bile. It ferments in the large gut. According to the press release, this feeds gut-supporting friendlybacteria, acting as if it were fiber in your bicyle.

How could this defend against cancer?

According to the press release, the scientists believe that regular consumption of resistant starch might change the metabolism of the bile acids in order to keep them out of harms way. The scientists admit in the press release that there is more research to be done.

The upper GI tract and other areas of the body were not shown to defend against colorectal cancer.

The results are positive. Bananas and apples are the best way to keep the doctor away.

There are more on major breakthrough.