Researchers in Europe, led by Imperial College London, have carried out the study and found that for every 10 gm a day increase in fibre intake, there was a 10 per cent drop in the risk of bowel cancer.

Reviewing the results of all previous observational studies in this area, the researchers analysed data provided by almost two million people and concluded that increasing fibre intake, particularly cereal fibre and whole grains, helps prevent colorectal cancer.

Lead author Dagfinn Aune said that their analysis found a linear association between dietary fibre and colorectal cancer. “The more of this fibre you eat the better it is. Even moderate amounts have some effect,” he said.

Adding three servings (90 gm per day) of whole grains to diets was linked to a 20 per cent reduction in the risk of colorectal cancer, the researchers said.

However, the study said there was no evidence that fibre in fruit and vegetables played a part in reducing risk.

The researchers also said that the health benefits of increasing fibre and whole grains intake was not restricted to colorectal cancer. “It is also likely to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, overweight and obesity, and possibly overall mortality,” they said.