February is Fiber Awareness Month
February is Fiber Awareness Month, which is a perfect time to learn more about fiber and the role it can play in preventing colorectal cancer. Fiber-rich foods are known for their immense health benefits and multiple studies link fiber to a lower risk of colon cancer.
While it is well-known that fiber leads to a lower risk of colon cancer, did you also know it may help those who have battled colorectal cancer to live longer? The Cleveland Clinic recently found in questionnaires and medical records from 1,575 people that those who had been treated for early-stage colon cancer had a 20% reduction in dying if they ate more fiber-rich foods. Additionally, they also faced a 15% lower risk of dying from other diseases, too.
How can you get your daily intake of fiber-rich foods? Luckily, fiber is found in many fruits/vegetables and dry goods, according to WedMD.
- Raspberries have 8 grams of fiber per cup
- Medium-sized artichokes have 10 grams of fiber
- Beans are high in fiber and protein
- Cereals with 5 or more grams of fiber per serving are a smart choice
- Popcorn is a fiber-friendly snack with low calories
You can also look for fiber-fortified products, such as milk or juices. The study from the Cleveland Clinic highlighted high-fiber cereal and whole grains as the most beneficial sources of fiber, followed by fruits and vegetables. Even a small change in adding fiber to a patient’s diet showed an improvement in those diagnosed with colon cancer.
Comment below and let us know how you incorporate fiber into your diet.
