And salads are a great way to get your five daily servings of fruits and vegetables. Study after study shows that they protect against both heart disease and cancer. And it has to be the real thing. Supplements of isolated nutrients often fail to produce the same positive results. Well, vegetables are one of the best sources of fiber.
Fiber helps reduce blood cholesterol levels, cutting heart disease risk.
It also may help prevent cancer. In the intestines, fiber keeps foods, including potential carcinogens, moving through the system, and ultimately out of it. A half cup of beans, broccoli, peas or corn provides over 2 grams of fiber, a good start on the 25 to 30 grams recommended daily. These, too, may protect against heart disease and cancer. Studies have linked the beta-carotene in foods to cancer and heart disease prevention.