High levels of insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) have also been linked to an increased risk of cancer. IGF-1 is a growth hormone that is produced by the liver and helps us to grow new tissue. However, when we have too much IGF-1, it can promote the growth and development of cancer. Eating animal products, including dairy, chicken and fish, increases the amount of IGF-1 in the body, while vegans have been shown to not only have reduced levels of IGF-1 but to also have higher levels of IGF-1 binding proteins, which are released by the liver to remove any excess IGF-1.
