Eating high fiber cereals and whole grains helps reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by as much as 20 percent, according to a new study published in the British Medical Journal.
U.K. and Danish researchers investigated the link between intake of dietary fiber and whole grains and the risk of colorectal cancer. They reviewed 25 different studies that analyzed data from almost two million people.
The scientists concluded that increasing fiber intake, particularly high-fiber cereal and whole grains like whole grain bread, brown rice, and oatmeal reduced the risk of bowel cancer by 20 percent. Also, for every 10 grams of fiber per day, there was a 10 percent decrease in the risk of bowel cancer.
However, in terms of vegetables and legumes like beans, peas, lentils and fruits, researchers found no evidence that fruit and vegetable fiber reduced the risk of bowel cancer.
Cancer of the large bowel, also known as colorectal cancer, is common in developed countries, but occurs less frequently in the developing world.
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