Research
Micronutrients & recovery
Whole grains protect against cancer, particularly colon and breast cancer, through the action of antioxidants, lignans, and other bioactive compounds found in the bran and germ.
Include whole grains in your diet to reduce cancer risk. The bran and germ contain antioxidants, lignans, and phytic acid that protect cells from damage. These compounds are lost when grains are refined, so choose whole grain products to maximize these protective benefits.
ModerateSupportsMEDIUM confidence
Epidemiological studies find that whole-grain intake is protective against cancer... Whole grains are rich in antioxidants, including trace minerals and phenolic compounds, and these compounds have been linked to disease prevention.
Why this rating
Based on epidemiological data and mechanistic studies of isolated compounds; direct whole-grain feeding studies for cancer are limited.
Source
Why whole grains are protective: biological mechanisms
Joanne Slavin · Proceedings of The Nutrition Society · 2003
DOI 10.1079/pns2002221
narrative_reviewCited 618×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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