Lowers risk
Lentils, chickpeas and beans
lentils, chickpeas, hummus, black, kidney and pinto beans. Grains & legumes.
- Verdict
- Lowers riskStudies link it to lower cancer risk.
- How sure
- Rung 3 · ModerateConsistent observational studies or small trials, not yet confirmed by large trials.
The rung shows how sure the science is, not how big the effect is. How to read these ratings
Cancers affected
Colorectal
What the evidence shows
Legumes are among the richest sources of the dietary fiber that probably lowers colorectal cancer risk, and they replace red and processed meat.
What to do
Use them in place of meat a few times a week.
Sources
To take it to your doctor, print this page.
Step by step
For the whole picture, from prevention and screening to treatment and life after, see the colorectal cancer page.