LONDON—Individuals who eat three servings a day of high-fiber foods, particularly whole grains and cereals, reduce their risk for colorectal cancer by 20%, according to a new study published in the British Medical Journal.
Researchers from Imperial College of London conducted a meta-analysis of 25 prospective studies involving almost 2 million participants to investigate the association between intake of dietary fiber and whole grains and risk of colorectal cancer.
They found for every 10 grams of fiber eaten the risk of colon cancer was reduced by 10%. Individuals who ate three servings of dietary fiber a day reduced their risk of colorectal cancer by 20%. There was no significant evidence for an association between fruit or vegetable fiber and risk of colorectal cancer.
They noted increasing intake of dietary fiber and whole grains is also likely to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity; therefore, there are several health benefits by increasing fiber intake and replacing refined grains with whole grains.
“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," they said.
