Eating has become an important part of life. Foods contain various nutrients that the body can process into energy. This energy is what you use every day to be able to do your activities. Apart from producing energy, food intake also has a role in helping maintain your overall body health.

Many studies have found that diet plays an important role in determining the risk of various types of diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Like the results of a prospective study conducted by Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health. The researchers found that a diet rich in fiber is associated with a lower risk of cancer, especially breast cancer. The results of this study have been publishedin the journal Cancer.

The researchers collected data from 20 previous observational studies that analysed the relationship of fibre intake with breast cancer risk. The researchers found that individuals with higher fibre intake had up to 8% lower risk of breast cancer than those with lower fibre intakes. In addition, high fibre intake is also associated with a lower risk of breast cancer in women both before and after menopause.

Fiber is one of the minerals needed by the body to help maintain the digestive system, reduce cholesterol levels, and prevent constipation. This mineral can be found naturally in almost all plants. To meet your daily fiber needs, consumption of foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and wheat is good enough.

Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Pixabay

Source(s):

• Farvid, M.S., Spence, N.D., Holmes, M.D., et al (2020). Fiber consumption and breast cancer incidence: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies. Cancer, DOI: https: //doi.org/10.1002/cncr.32816.
• Science Daily - Fiber consumption linked to lower breast cancer risk (2020). https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/04/200406092841.htm, 08 April 2020.