Colon health is perhaps one of the most important things many overlook. The statistics could be a sobering reminder of this. In 2024, it is estimated that more than 153,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colon cancer. Unfortunately, it’s a disease that can claim many who will battle it.
However, preventative measures can be taken. One is creating a plant-based diet to support your colon and keep it healthy. This guide will go over seven beneficial foods. Let’s jump in and check out the list now.
1. Legumes
Legumes are rich in fiber, so it would be a good idea to include legumes like beans, chickpeas, and lentils. The fiber will be excellent for regular bowel movements and can prevent constipation. Legumes also contain fatty acids that will give your gut the healthy environment it deserves.
2. Cruciferous vegetables
After reading this part, your inner child may accept that greens aren’t so bad. Veggies in this category include broccoli, kale, cabbage, and cauliflower. All of which are jam-packed with all kinds of vitamins and minerals. However, it also contains an antioxidant known as sulforaphane – which has been linked to cancer prevention.
Steam, roast, or eat these raw. Either way, you’ll get excellent benefits for your colon now and in the long term. And guess what—you could eat them for breakfast as well.
3. Whole grains
Of course, we cannot omit whole grains because of their high fiber content. They also contain plenty of colon-friendly nutrients, including magnesium and selenium. Whole grains will win over refined grains any day of the week. This will certainly be true when your colon cancer screening confirms that you’re on the right track with your diet.
4. Berries
These have antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins. All of which are excellent for keeping your digestive system regular. It can also get rid of all the nasty toxins that harm the gut environment as well. Include strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries in your regular diet. Snacking on them or mixing them in bowls of oatmeal will be one of the best ways to get them involved with improving colon health.
5. Flaxseeds
Aside from the rich amounts of fiber, flaxseeds have omega-3 fatty acids. Not only are you doing your colon a favor, but also your heart. Talk about a win-win for health benefits. But we’re talking about your colon here for the most part, but we thought that should be mentioned.
You can mix flax seeds with yogurt or even oatmeal. As you might notice, mixing some of the foods we list here with whole grains makes the perfect team for colon health.
6. Leafy greens
You think cruciferous veggies were the only greens? Leafy greens are also good as well. Spinach and kale are two of the best because of their generous amounts of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. Like cruciferous veggies, steaming or eating these greens raw will work in your favor.
7. Garlic
Garlic contains allicin, which has excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be mixed with other veggies and dishes for extra protection. So, no, it’s not as bad as some others make it out to be.
Final Thoughts
Are you ready to try these seven foods? Including them in your diet as soon as possible can do wonders for your colon health. One last thing: Please make it a point to get a colon cancer screening done regularly to keep yourself ahead of the curve. Doing so will save your life and confirm that the diet you follow is a good one.
