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There’s a great connection between the amounts of fiber we eat and our colon cancer risk. But not all types of fiber are equally effective to prevent the development of colon cancer. People in western countries typically consume more processed foods which are generally low in fiber. Processing of food strips them of their healthy fiber. These processed foods are linked with a higher incidence of bowel cancer. Because all foods with fiber aren’t the same health wise, where can we find the good ones?

The Australian Paradox

Australians eat more dietary fiber than people in many other western countries. Ironically, there’s a surge in cancer colon with new cases diagnosed yearly among Aussies. Cancer research thinks that the answer to this paradox is the type of fiber rich food they eat. There isn’t enough resistant starch.

Resistant starch food contain dietary fibers that resist digestion in the small intestines and instead passes through undigested. This type of starch facilitates the transit of food to the bowels or large intestines.

Sources of resistant starch include corn, whole wheat and are likewise found in legumes; wholegrain bread and cereals; firm bananas; potatoes with the peel; whole rice and the peel of common fruits.

Colon Cancer Behavior

It takes about 15 years for colon cancer to manifest itself through symptoms. This span of time starts from the moment the first colon cancer- initiating DNA damage begins to the development of full blown colon cancer. We don’t need to wait for colon cancer to be detected in our bodies. Let’s start eating our fiber now. Fiber must be viewed to compliment our daily meat. By eating whole foods, there is a good chance we add fiber to our diet.

Colon cancer is very prone to inflammation. Functional foods that control inflammation such as small berries and green tea will help us in our fight to avert colon cancer development.

Bottom Line

No need to take them in pills, first there are mix results with fiber supplements and second we can source out our fiber and other cancer fighting phytonutrients by eating 5 to 10 servings of fruits and veggies everyday as what the American Cancer Society recommends. Most of us miss out on this. Let’s start now. Finally, exercising daily for at least 30 minutes will decrease general inflammation levels in our bodies.

We know these tools work to fight cancer, let’s eat ‘em!