A low-fat vegetarian diet composed of fresh, whole foods is one of the best ways to prevent cancer of any kind. Prostate cancer is no exception to this, and there is research available showing that a high-fibre content is pivotal in preventing this form of cancer. New research suggests that a high-fibre diet may do more than merely guard against the onset of this disease; it could actually prevent its progress in men already diagnosed.
The study in question took place at the Skaggs School of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Mice were fed with inositol hexaphosphate (IP6), a key component of high-fibre foods such as beans, brown rice, sesame seeds and wheat bran. Results were staggering, with researchers claiming ‘dramatically reduced’ levels of tumour growth in the mice. It is believed that the nutrient IP6 works by reducing the rate at which cancer cells are fed, making it a strong inhibitor to the progress of cancer. The findings are extremely significant and provide the first solid clue as to the differences in cancer rates between Asian and Western people. It now seems that there is no genetic difference, but simply a dietary one. Asian diets include an adequate amount of IP6, whereas Westerners consume insufficient amounts.
The Institute of Medicine recommends 14 grams of fibre per 1,000 calories per day. For men up to the age of 50 this means an average of 38 grams per day – a great deal higher than the estimate that most Americans consume 10 and 15 grams per day! The difference is extreme and must be addressed immediately by anyone taking a serious approach to wellbeing. As a rule, include a minimum of one serving of whole grain in every meal; why not keep a jar of oat bran handy to sprinkle over soup, salad and cereal? Favour brown over white rice, and start to regularly include beans and legumes in place of meat. None of this has to be a hardship – why not use the opportunity to experiment with international cuisine that favours such dietary composition – your taste buds will thank you for it!