Specific fiber foods fight cancer
Julie Kennel | August 15, 2011
New research has narrowed down some of the most influential high-fiber foods that prevent colon polyps, pouches in the intestines that can lead to colon cancer. What are these cancer-fighting foods? Legumes, brown rice, cooked green vegetables, and dried fruit. The risk of polyps was:
* 40% lower among those who ate brown rice at least once a week
* 33 % lower among those who eat legumes (a class of vegetables that includes beans, peas and lentils) at least three times a week
* 26% lower among those who eat dried fruit 3 times or more a week
* 24% lower among those who eat cooked green vegetables once/day or more
The findings come from California researchers who analyzed data from 2,818 people who were followed for 26 years. The full report is published online in the journal Nutrition and Cancer. Researchers said, “Legumes, dried fruits and brown rice all have a high content of fiber, known to dilute potential carcinogens. Additionally, cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, contain detoxifying compounds, which would improve their protective function.”
