The "good" cholesterol protects against colon cancer


Have high levels of good cholesterol can not only protect against cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's. Now a new study reveals another advantage: We are defended against colon cancer. "A good reason to pay attention to the numbers of blood cholesterol," says Bas Bueno de Mesquita, the National Public Health Institute of the Netherlands and author of the study, published in the journal 'Gut'.
It was already known that people with high cholesterol are more likely to develop colon cancer. However, so far, "there had been no prospective studies which take into account the different types of lipoproteins (HDL-cholesterol known as' good'-, LDL-commonly-called bad cholesterol, triglycerides, apoA, apo B) and its role in this tumor, "says Carlos Gilsanz, Head of Service of Internal Medicine, Hospital Gregorio Maranon de Madrid.

Colon Cancer

As stated Bueno de Mesquita, "we note that for every increase of 16.6 milligrams per deciliter (mg / dl) of HDL and 32 mg / dl for apoA, try them to suffer the colon cancer were reduced by between 22% and 18% respectively. "

Although the reasons are still unknown, researchers have several theories. They point to anti-inflammatory properties of HDL and also believe that "a low concentration of this 'good' cholesterol increases oxidative stress and, therefore, the destruction of cells, which may involve the onset of cancer." At the moment only assumptions and more studies are needed to inquire about this issue and the colon cancer.
To develop this study, which also involved a number of Spanish researchers have analyzed the profiles of 1,238 people with colorectal cancer (779 with colon tumor-affected and 459 rectal) and as many healthy. All were enrolled in a European investigation into cancer and nutrition conducted in 10 countries (EPIC study).

Health and the Colon Cancer

After examining their blood, their diet and lifestyle, the results were obvious. Those with high levels of HDL cholesterol had a lower risk of colon cancer, "regardless of other markers are also associated with this tumor, such as inflammation or insulin resistance," the authors note in their article. Moreover, "we did not observe association with rectal cancer."

Given the results, could be considered "good" cholesterol as an appropriate tool to mitigate the risk of colon cancer. To get to raise their levels, explains Dr. Gilsanz, "it is best to exercise, avoid saturated fats and even take a little wine at dinner, but genetics is also important in the health.