Scientists have discovered a food type that might be able to flush out cancer-causing chemicals. The study, conducted in Boston, found that eating more fiber can reduce “forever chemicals” which cause cancer.
Researchers compared men who took beta-glucan fiber, which is found in mushrooms and oats, before every meal for four weeks against those who had a rice-based supplement. They found that those who took the fiber supplement had a reduction in the cancer-causing “forever chemicals”, as reported by the Daily Mail. These toxic chemicals are also known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and don’t naturally break down.
As well as increasing the risk of some types of cancer, the chemicals can also cause organ failure and infertility. The scientists believe fiber helps filter out excess bile which PFAS latches on to.
The chemicals were thought to live in the body forever but the latest study is the first to offer a way to get rid of them. A lack of fiber reportedly increases the risk of conditions such as colon cancer.
The Boston University scientists said: “Despite the growing concerns about the toxicity of PFAS, specific interventions to reduce PFAS levels in the body are limited.”
The study was published in the journal Environmental Health in March. It examined 72 men aged between 18 and 65 with detectable levels of PFAS in their blood.
While all of the men had five forms of PFAS in their blood, 70% of them had 11 of the 17 types of the toxin. The chemicals interfere with the production of natural hormones and increase the risk of certain cancers.
Of the 72 participants, 42 consumed a one-gram supplement of oat beta-glucan around 10 minutes before every meal while the other 30 consumed a rice-based supplement instead. Each participant had their blood samples taken before and after the experiment.
The results show those we took the fiber supplement saw an 8% decrease in perfluorooctanoate acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). These are considered two of the most harmful forms of PFAS.
Scientists believe the fiver helps flush out PFAS’ before they can cause lasting damage. However, they cautioned that not all fiber gets rid of the chemicals and more research is needed to determine if others have a similar effect.
