Peanut consumption and reduced risk of colorectal cancer in women: A prospective study in Taiwan

Year Published: 2006

Work J Gastroenterol

Chih-Ching Yeh, San-Lin You, Chien-Jen Chen, and Fung-Chang Sung

This longitudinal study examined 12,026 men and 11,917 women aged 30-65 who were recruited in Taiwan from 1990-92 and followed for 10 years (until 2001). Authors used food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) to assess participants' dietary intake and focused specifically on intake of peanut products. Using this information, they assessed risk of colorectal cancer with peanut consumption.

Key Findings: Peanut consumption significantly lowered risk of colorectal cancer in both men and women, although this was only significant in women (p=0.01). Authors conclude: "This study suggests that frequent intake of peanut and its products may reduce colorectal cancer risk in women, demonstrating the anti-proliferating effect of peanut intake."