If you eat lots of fiber your chances of developing colorectal cancer do not go down, say researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health. However, they added that the benefits for your heart still make it advisable to consume a diet rich in fiber. Diets high in fiber also help protect you from developing diabetes 2.
The researchers, led by Dr. Yikying Park, looked at 13 studies which involved nearly three quarters of a million adults.
Some data indicated a lowering of colorectal cancer risk for people who consumed lots of fiber. But when the researchers took into account such factors as folate, red meat, milk and alcohol consumption – they found no link.
You can read about this study in the December 14th issue of JAMA (the Journal of the American Medical Association).
They did find that a high dietary intake of plant fibers helped protect people from heart disease and diabetes.
The researchers stressed that the soluble fibers (as opposed to insoluble ones) are the ones that offer the most benefits.
What are Soluble and Insoluble Fibers?
Fibers can be divided into two types:
Insoluble
– It does not dissolve in water
– It is roughage (a coarse material).
– Good for preventing constipation, increases the movement of food through the intestine, reduces pressure in the intestine.
Soluble
– It dissolves in water
– Made up of sticky substances such as gums and gels.
– It is said to help lower cholesterol levels.
– Helps the hormone ?insulin’ work better (controls diabetes). Helps stop blood sugars from rising rapidly.
Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Editor: Medical News Today