Diet and Disease
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2. Fiber and cancer
Dietary fiber is found in plant foods, where it occurs in two forms: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber attracts water and turns to gel during digestion. This process slows digestion and the rate of nutrient absorption from the stomach and intestine. Soluble fiber is found in oat bran, barley, nuts, seeds, dried beans and legumes, lentils, peas, and some fruits and vegetables. Insoluble fiber also adds bulk to the stool. It is found in wheat bran, vegetables, and whole grains.
A diet high in fiber has been thought to reduce the risk of cancers of the rectum and colon.
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