High-Fiber Diets Increase Lifespan

A high-fiber diet might save your life. In a new meta-analysis published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, people who consumed the most fiber were 19 percent less likely to die during study periods ranging up to a decade, compared with people who consumed the least amount of fiber. Researchers analyzed 17 studies comprised of more than 980,000 participants and found that every 10 grams of fiber consumed cuts mortality risk by 10 percent. Fiber helps regulate cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and control weight. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help prevent chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer, thus lowering your overall risk of premature death.