In part due to these factors, one recent review has shown that a fiber-heavy diet can also lead to a longer life expectancy, according to The Los Angeles Times.
On average, men and women who consumed 29.4 and 25.8 grams of fiber each day had a 22 percent lower risk of death than those who had less of the nutrient.
"A diet rich in dietary fiber from whole plant foods may provide significant health benefits," the researchers wrote. They found that grains were the most common source of healthy fiber.
They speculate that the beneficial effects of fiber may be linked to its anti-inflammatory properties, because inflammations can lead to infections and diseases.
This may add weight to another study in which Swedish researchers found that a senior living a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise may have a high life expectancy, despite any genetic predisposition.
"Our study shows that hereditary factors don't play a major role and that lifestyle has the biggest impact," said professor emeritus Lars Wilhelmsen in a statement.
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