Just two servings of yogurt a week may protect the bowels from some specific types of cancer, according to a new long-term study in the US. For years now, scientists have suspected yogurt and its living bacteria have benefits for gastrointestinal health,

Scientists have found that consuming yogurt regularly may lower the risk of a specific type of colorectal cancer. The study focused on the presence of Bifidobacterium, a gut-friendly bacteria found in yogurt,

According to a study published in the journal Gut Microbes regular yogurt consumption may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, particularly in tumors associated with the presence of Bifidobacterium. The research indicated that individuals who consumed yogurt at least twice a week had a 20% lower risk of developing certain types of bowel cancer.

A new study tied eating at least 2 servings of yogurt per week to a lower risk of an aggressive type of colorectal cancer.

Regular yogurt intake may lower the risk of Bifidobacterium-positive colorectal cancer, particularly in the proximal colon, but does not reduce the risk of Bifidobacterium-negative tumors. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and understand yogurt’s role in gut health and cancer prevention.

Related: Could Inflammation Raise Your Colon Cancer Risk? Here’s What a New Study Says Some research has suggested that shifting your routine can help you lower your risk—whether that means enjoying a glass of milk or aiming for anti-inflammatory foods and habits.