While colon polyps must be removed via colonoscopy, some foods can remove the conditions in the body in which they flourish. Colon polyps grow abnormally from the intestinal wall and can become cancerous. While diet isn't a main cause of polyps, following a low-fat, high-fiber diet may prevent them from developing. According to a May 2009 report in the "American Journal of Epidemiology", this type of diet, when combined with a high fruit and vegetable intake, reduced the risk of polyp recurrence in study participants by 35 percent.
Navy Beans
In the protein food group, navy beans have the least saturated fat and the most dietary fiber -- a better ratio than low-fat fish, such as cod, and any meats or poultry. Fiber improves your digestive quality and may discourage polyps from forming. Avoiding saturated fat may prevent cancerous polyp growth. One cup of cooked navy beans contains 75 percent of the daily value, or DV, for fiber and just a trace amount of saturated fat.
Non-Fat Milk
Milk gives you three opportunities to optimize your colon health and help prevent polyps. You can enjoy the same nutritional benefits without saturated fat by choosing non-fat over whole or reduced-fat milks. Because you need the calcium and vitamin D in milk every day, a low-calorie source can help you control your weight. According to the Office of the Surgeon General, becoming overweight raises your risk for colon cancer. The essential calcium and vitamin D are also linked to polyp prevention, according to MayoClinic.com.
Bran Flakes
Wheat bran cereal flakes contribute protein, vitamins and minerals to your diet in a source that emphasizes fiber and has very little saturated fat. This whole-grain cereal delivers more fiber than whole corn, oat, barley or rye cereals, or a refined-grain puffed-rice cereal. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, some brands of wheat bran flakes have 35 percent or more of the DV for fiber per suggested serving.
Artichokes
Artichokes provide more fiber than any other plant-based food except beans. Artichokes, as well as other fruits and vegetables can help protect you from colon polyps and cancerous conditions due to high fiber content, as well as low calorie and saturated fat contents. The Polyp Prevention Trial, a study sponsored by the National Cancer Institute was completed in 2011. The purpose of the study was to determine whether a low fat, high fiber, high vegetable and fruit eating plan can decrease the recurrence of polyps of the large bowel. While results are not available as of June 2011, participants consumed 5 to 8 daily servings of vegetables and fruits. One cup of cut cooked artichokes has 60 percent of the DV for fiber, and counts as two ½-cup servings.
Pears
Pears contribute essential vitamin C with their high fiber content and virtually no saturated fat. Eating pears and other fiber-rich fruits in place of rich desserts can help you limit saturated fat and calories to maintain a healthy weight. While pears and other fruits won't remove polyps, they are among the fruits that can reduce your risk for polyp growth and malignancy.
References
- "American Journal of Epidemiology"; The effect of strict adherence to a low-fat ... high-fiber eating pattern on adenoma recurrence; Leah Sansbury et al.; May 2009
- National Cancer Institute: Colorectal Cancer Causes and Risk Factors; March 2011
- Office of the Surgeon General: Overweight Consequences; January 2007
- MayoClinic.com; Colon Polyps; July 2009
- USDA: Nutrient Database
- Clinicaltrials.gov; Polyp Prevention Trial; April 2011
