Dr. Campbell began his research journey in the Philippines, where he noticed an unusually high rate of liver cancer in children from wealthier families. These children consumed a diet rich in animal protein, mainly from milk and meat. This was surprising because liver cancer is usually a disease of adults.

Inspired by a study from India where rats exposed to aflatoxin (a potent carcinogenic toxin) were fed with different levels of protein, Dr. Campbell conducted his own research. He found that rats receiving 20% of protein in their diet developed cancer, while those with only 5% of protein did not show signs of the disease. This indicated that a high intake of protein can promote the growth of cancer cells.

The Role of Aflatoxin

Aflatoxin is a toxin produced by certain molds and is often present in contaminated foods, such as peanuts and corn. This toxin is known for its ability to cause cancer, especially liver cancer. Dr. Campbell found that a high intake of protein increases the activity of enzymes that convert aflatoxin into even more harmful compounds, increasing the risk of DNA mutations and cancer development.

Plant Proteins as an Alternative

It is important to emphasize that Dr. Campbell's research did not show the same effect with plant-based proteins. Rats fed with plant proteins, such as those from wheat or soy, did not develop cancer, even at higher percentages of protein in their diet. This suggests that plant proteins are a safer alternative and do not promote the growth of cancer cells in the same way as animal proteins.

Practical Tips

Based on these findings, it is advisable to reduce the intake of animal proteins to less than 10% of total caloric intake, ideally to around 5%. This can be achieved by incorporating more plant protein sources into the diet, such as legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.

By following these guidelines, we can contribute to reducing the risk of cancer development and improving overall health.

For more information on this topic, we recommend the book The China Study by Dr. T. Colin Campbell, which provides a detailed description of the connection between diet and health and offers additional insights into research in this area.