An article published in Medscape Medical News presented data from several studies indicating that a plant-based diet provides more protection against cancer.

As the evidence accumulates, it increasingly points to one over-arching theme: More plants, less cancer.

“There is no one definition of ‘plant-based diet’,” Anne McTiernan, MD, PhD, a professor of epidemiology at Fred Hutch Cancer Center, said. “Diets with a lot of vegetables and fruits, low in refined carbohydrates, and relatively low in saturated fats are ‘good’ in terms of reducing risk for obesity and at reducing risk of some cancers,” she continued. “However, no one diet stands out as ‘the diet’ one should follow.”

“Another way to think about a plant-based diet is to move the focus of a meal away from meat being the central item, Platz said. Instead of eating meat as the main course with sides, “consider other sources of protein and make sure there’s plentiful, colorful fruits and vegetables,” she said.