Slash your risk of colon cancer 55%!

●

news from the American Cancer Society: The number of folks age 50 and older diagnosed with colon cancer has dropped an incredible 32% since the year 2000 (mainly because more of us are getting the recommended screenings; see sidebar “The top way to prevent colon cancer”). Surprisingly, however, the number of adults under age 50 with the disease has increased 22%. (Researchers suspect a link to the rise in obesity.) To power up your protection, no matter what your age, experts advise . . .

Blocking suspicious growths with pistachios

The nuts are rich in beta- sitosterol— a plant compound that shuts down the growth of 33% of abnormal colon cells on contact, say researchers at Buffalo’s State University of New York. For top-notch protection, snack on 1/4 cup daily.

● Preventing polyps with soy

A recent study suggests that simply adding a little soy to your daily diet could cut your risk of troublesome polyps as much as 40%. How? Soy contains genistein— a compound that helps normalize the growth of colon cells, so they’re less likely to form precancerous polyps, say researchers. Aim to eat 1/2 cup of tofu or soybeans, 8 oz. of soy milk or one cup of edamame daily.

Boosting immunity with daily walks

Sneak in at least 30 minutes of exercise each day, and you’ll cut your colon cancer risk 38%, Harvard studies show. Exercise revs your immune system’s ability to quash cancerous cells— plus it helps cleanse the digestive tract,

removing toxins before they can cause harm. Too busy for a 30-minute exercise break? Two 15- minute sessions— or even three 10-minute bursts of exercise— can be just as helpful, say Stanford University researchers.

Switching off cancer genes with lutein

Lutein is a deep yellow pigment that jazzes up the color of egg yolks, corn, squash, mangoes, sweet potatoes and carrots. And adding this compound to your daily diet could reduce your colon cancer risk 55%, according to research in the journal Nutrition and Cancer. Lutein speeds healing of damaged colon cells, the study authors say. To do: Eat two eggs or one heaping cup of luteinrich fruits or vegetables daily.