​Adequate intake of foods rich in folate may help to inhibit the development of cancerous cells in the esophagus, stomach, and pancreas.
The objective of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis on the association between regular dietary ingestion of foods high in folate and the likelihood of developing stomach (gastric), esophageal, and pancreatic cancer. A group of scientists reviewed data obtained from a total of 46 studies that analyzed this association.
The research team observed a low incidence of esophageal, pancreatic, and stomach cancer in individuals who consistently consumed diets rich in folate-containing foods. Regular dietary intake of an extra 100 micrograms of folate per day was found to cut down the risk of developing pancreatic, stomach, and esophageal cancer by 6%, 1.5%, and 9% respectively in this study. The results of this study suggest that a decline in esophageal, stomach, and pancreatic cancer risk is associated with increased consumption of foods loaded with folate.