What cancer-promoting hormone is most effectively lowered by reducing animal protein intake?

IGF-1, or Insulin-like Growth Factor 1, is a hormone that plays a crucial role in cell growth and development. Research indicates that high levels of IGF-1 are associated with an increased risk of various cancers, as it can promote cell proliferation and inhibit apoptosis (the process of programmed cell death).

One of the primary dietary factors influencing IGF-1 levels is protein intake, especially from animal sources. Animal proteins are found to increase IGF-1 levels significantly compared to plant-based proteins. This increase is thought to be due to the amino acid composition of animal proteins, which likely stimulates the liver to produce more IGF-1.

When individuals reduce their intake of animal protein and replace it with plant-based sources, studies have shown a corresponding decrease in IGF-1 levels. This reduction can be an effective preventive strategy against certain types of cancer that are influenced by IGF-1. In contrast, while hormones like insulin, estrogen, and cortisol are important in various physiological processes, they do not show the same direct link to dietary protein type as IGF-1 does when considering cancer promotion.