According to a big study involving 79,952 US-based men, those who consumed the most nutritious plant-based foods had a 22% lower chance of developing colon cancer than those who consumed the least.

For women, who made up 93,475 of the study’s sample, the researchers were unable to find such a connection. For men, who have a generally higher risk of developing bowel cancer, the team suggested that the connection is more obvious.

The link between men, according to the authors, varied by race and ethnicity. For instance, compared to white men, Japanese American men had a 20% lower risk of developing cancer. The group concluded that additional study was required to fully understand racial differences.

Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, vegetable oils, nuts, legumes like lentils and chickpeas, tea, and coffee were categorised as healthy plant foods, while refined grains, fruit juices, potatoes, and added sugars were categorised as less healthy plant foods. Animal foods were then categorised as being the third category of foods (animal fat, dairy, eggs, fish or seafood, meat).