Colon Cancer & Diet

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month. There’s a reason why it gets a widely publicized campaign; it affects over 140,000 people in the U.S. each year (www.ccalliance.org). There’s a reason why we’re choosing to talk about colon cancer; it has affected generations of our family. There are certainly strong genetic factors involved with developing colon cancer, but there are also some controllable factors that can affect digestive health. Research from NIH has suggested that roughly 70% of colon cancers can be prevented with lifestyle changes (e.g., healthier diet, increased exercise). NIH researchers also confirm that diets high in vegetables, fish, & fruits (versus diets very high in carbohydrates, desserts, & processed meats) are good for your colon. There are a few other types of foods the American Cancer Society recommends as potential protective against colon cancer, including: folic acid (e.g., citrus fruits, leafy green veggies), calcium, vitamin D (e.g. salmon, sardines), fiber (e.g., beans,fresh veggies), & flavinoids (e.g., tomatoes, peppers).

Pasta has an interesting role within healthy eating. While it was demonized among fad diets (you know who we’re talking about!), most nutrition scientists recognize moderate pasta consumption (½ to ⅔ cup of cooked pasta/person) as suitable. Semolina wheat, which is what Cucina Calabrese Pasta is made from, has a lower glycemic index and is higher in protein compared to other refined wheat products (www.livestrong.com). Oldways, a non-profit group focused on tying historical food traditions to current healthy eating, considers pasta an ideal pairing for healthy ingredients in a balanced diet. They assert, “Today’s consumers welcome pasta to their tables for its versatility and convenience, just as nutrition scientists recognize pasta meals for their place in healthy eating patterns, such as the “gold standard” Mediterranean Diet and the traditional Latin American diet” (www.oldways.org).

We ask our pasta eaters out there to come up with their best colon-healthy meal made with Cucina Calabrese Pasta. Take a picture or video with a brief description of the recipe and post or email. Send in before the end of the month. Winner will receive a free bag of pasta!