Preliminary research suggests that a diet containing whole grains may reduce the risk of liver cancer by 40 percent. Liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma or HCC, is projected to become the third most common type of cancer by 2030.
The study looked at over 125,000 patients and found that an increase of whole grains is related to a reduced risk of liver cancer. Those who consumed the highest amounts of whole grains had a 37 percent lower risk of liver cancer compared to those who consumed the least amount of whole grains.
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Furthermore, a high bran diet was associated with a 30 percent lower risk of liver cancer and a high-germ diet reduced the risk by 11 percent.
The study found that a diet high in whole grains helped to reduce many of the risk factors associated with HCC, such as inflammation.
The study explained, “Whole grains are a major source of dietary fiber and consist of bran, germ, and endosperm, compared with refined grains that contain only the endosperm.”
Whole grains, unlike refined grains, contain a slew of nutrients which can go a long way in promoting good health.
Additional research is required to confirm the findings, but in the meantime, it’s a wise idea to increase your whole grain intake. They’re often linked with a slew of health benefits that span further than just the liver.
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
