Low total mortality risk is associated with increased consumption of high-fiber diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
This study evaluated the relationship between fiber intake and mortality risk. Researchers examined the nutritional data of 7,216 male and female subjects between the ages of 55 – 75 years recruited from the the Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea (PREDIMED) Study. Mortality records were obtained from the National Death Index.
Researchers found out that subjects who regularly consumed high fiber diets loaded with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains had lower all-cause mortality risk. Consistent consumption of 210 grams of fruits per day was found to decrease total mortality risk by 41%, and this protective association was strongest for cardiovascular mortality.The results of this study support dietary recommendations that promote high dietary ingestion of fiber –rich foods for the reduction of all-cause mortality risk.