A high-fiber diet, especially grains and cereals, may cut your chances of developing colon cancer, a study by British and Dutch researchers noted in a recent report.
HealthDay News reported that the researchers studied about 25 reports which included surveys of 2 million people. The comparisons reported that each 10 gram per day increase in intake of total dietary fiber and cereal fiber helped bring a 10 percent decrease in colorectal cancer.
However, for fruits, WebMD reported that little evidence suggested that fiber from those sources helped contribute to a decrease in colon cancer.
"It doesn't mean you shouldn't eat your fruits and vegetables,” said Dagfinn Aune, a research associate at Imperial College London. "It's possible that we did not have enough statistical power."
Still, the report suggested that with each incremental increase in fiber consumption, an incremental decrease of colorectal cancer was noted.
"In summary, our meta-analysis suggests that a high intake of dietary fiber, particularly from cereal and whole grains, is associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer," according to the researchers who conducted the study as quoted by HealthDay News.
Experts emphasized the overall improvement on quality of life with such a diet rich in fiber.
"This study highlights the importance of a diet rich in fiber," Dr. Strapoli told HealthDay News. "We know that soluble is most helpful in improving colon transit times. As the contents of the colon move at a better rate, there is thought to be less toxic exposure to the interior of the colon thereby reducing risk of developing colon cancer."
