Foods High in Copper May Cut Colorectal Cancer Risk

Foods high in the trace element copper, such as oysters, chocolate, liver, seeds and nuts, may prove to help reduce the risk of colon cancer, according to researchers with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

After being given a cancer-causing chemical, rats raised on only one-fifth of their copper requirement were significantly more prone to develop colon cancer precursors than animals receiving an appropriate amount, according to Dr. Cindy D. Davis.

The study suggests that copper may one day be added to the list of substances, including selenium, calcium and fiber, that are considered important for a healthy colon.

Although it is not possible to draw conclusions about humans based on animal studies, this type of research makes for a good model for testing the effects of changes in diet on colon cancer, said Davis.

Other sources: Reuters