Garlic consumption linked to reduction in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Australia and New Zealand after lung cancer.

Environmental factors play important roles in the multi-stage process of colorectal cancer and nutritional intervention has been identified as having a major role in its prevention.

Researchers in Australia reviewed the scientific evidence from all studies conducted over the last decade that examined the effects of garlic on colorectal cancer.

Using criteria based on those used by the National Health and Medical Research Council in Australia, they evaluated the quality of each study and ranked the levels of evidence.

On balance, they found consistent scientific evidence reporting protective effects of garlic on colorectal cancer despite the great range of measures of intakes among human epidemiological studies.

Source: Journal of Food Science, October 2007