High Fiber Diet Can Reduce Breast Cancer Risk; 5 Fiber-Rich Foods To Start Your Day Right

A diet rich in fiber has several health benefits-from normalized bowel movement, lowered levels of blood cholesterol to improved blood sugar levels. Now, a new study suggests that eating foods rich in fiber also helps fight breast cancer in women.

According to the study published online in Pediatrics on Monday, women who regularly consumed high-fiber foods during their years in high school have lowered risk of developing the disease.

To arrive at their conclusion, researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health studied over 90,000 women between the ages of 27 and 44. They asked women what their usual diet consists of; they also asked what these women consumed regularly during high school at some point during the study. These women were monitored for 20 years.

During follow-up, researchers noted that 2,833 women had breast cancer. The researchers also found out that high-fiber consumption in early adulthood "was associated with significantly lower breast cancer risk."

"From many other studies we know that breast tissue is particularly influenced by carcinogens and anticarcinogens during childhood and adolescence," said Walter Willett, senior author of the study, said in a press release.

"We now have evidence that what we feed our children during this period of life is also an important factor in future cancer risk," he continued.

The latest findings only suggest that women should focus more on fiber-rich foods to help their body be at its best and avoid the risk of developing breast cancer as well. Here are five fiber-rich foods that you can have to start your day right.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal contains high soluble fiber, which makes it one of the best foods to have when it comes to lowering your cholesterol, according to Bembu. It gives people the feeling of fullness in the morning and it should be a great way to start the day. Mix a bowl of oatmeal with fruits or berries and you're good to go.

Beans

Mother Nature Network advises women to include beans to their daily diet as these foods are packed with high levels of fiber.

Fruits and Vegetables

It has been established time and again that fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of fiber. People should not ignore these nutrient-rich foods as it not only contains fiber, but also vitamins and minerals.

Whole Grains

Whole -- not refined -- grains are the best type of grains that have the most amount of fiber. Whole grains is also a popular part of everyday breakfast, according to Atkins.

Peas

Whether they are fresh or dried, peas are full of fiber. The food ingredient is perfect to go with anything, from breakfast to dinner.