Adequate intake of fiber-rich foods, particular whole grains, may help cut down cancer, cardiovascular, respiratory, and infectious disease mortality risk significantly.

 

This study assessed the relationship between dietary fiber consumption and mortality risk. Researchers examined dietary and death records of subjects that participated in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study for 9 years.

The team of investigators found a lower incidence of deaths from cancer, infectious, respiratory, and cardiovascular diseases among subjects who regularly consumed fiber-rich foods. Fiber from cereals was found to have the strongest protective effect on total and cause-specific mortality risk in both men and women. The findings of this study suggest that consistent consumption of high fiber diets may help prevent deaths due to cancer, respiratory, cardiovascular, and infectious diseases.