New study highlights health benefits of oysters

A new study suggests that eating oysters may help reduce the risk of several health problems including cancer by improving gut health and lowering inflammation.

Researchers from the University of Ferrara in Italy found that a special extract taken from Pacific oysters helped reduce inflammation in intestinal cells during laboratory testing.

Experts say long term inflammation in the gut is linked to several serious conditions including colon cancer type 2 diabetes heart disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

The study also explained that when the gut’s protective lining becomes weak a condition often called “leaky gut” harmful bacteria and toxins can enter the bloodstream.

This may increase inflammation throughout the body and raise the risk of disease.

Some researchers believe this ongoing gut inflammation may also be one reason why cases of colon cancer in people under 50 have been increasing in recent years.

The researchers added that oysters are rich in lean protein Omega 3 fatty acids vitamin B12, iron and selenium.

These nutrients support heart health and provide other important health benefits.

However the scientists stressed that this is an early stage study.

More research involving people is needed before oysters can be considered a proven way to prevent cancer or other diseases.