French researchers published a study that involved 3313 men and lasted for 12.6 years on average. It involved the consumption of insoluble fiber; specifically, the quantity, source and type of fiber consumed was analyzed. The study started in 1994 and went on until 2007. 139 men developed prostate cancer during that time. The researchers compared the men who consumed the top 25% fiber with the group of 25% men who consumed the lowest amount of fiber. The surprising result was that the top fiber consuming men had 53% less prostate cancer when compared to the lowest fiber-consuming group.
The men had been analyzed with food questionnaires on at least three occasions during the study period. They were part of a larger nutritional study called SU.VI.MAX (Suppleméntation en Vitamines et Minéraux Antioxydants).
In addition the fiber type was analyzed and it was found that insoluble fiber such as the fiber of legumes was most protective in terms of prostate cancer prevention.
Fiber Lowers Prostate Cancer Risk
What does this mean in practical terms? Meat and potatoes have no fiber. Instead eat a lentil soup, beans, a vegetable chili, a Middle Eastern dish of chick peas, a pea soup (good in winter), just to give you some suggestions.
More information is available at Prostate Cancer Prevention
Reference: J Nutr. 2014 Feb 19
