Including flax in the diet may help prevent colorectal tumors or slow down their growth when they do appear, a new study has found.

The research was conducted at South Dakota State University and found mice on diets supplemented with flaxseed oil had, on average, 45 percent fewer tumors in the small intestine and the colon compared to the control group.

In addition to that, they found that tumors in the dietary flaxseed-treated groups were also smaller in size.

Flaxseed is known to contain high levels of alpha-linolenic acid, omega-3 fatty acid and lignans, which are chemical compounds found in plants that act as antioxidants.

The researchers hope further studies will help establish the optimal amount of flaxseed that should be incorporated into human diets to utilize its cancer-preventing benefits.

The study appeared in the international journal Nutrition and Cancer.

When it comes to colon health, active lifestyle into the old age is also very important, and people can reduce complications by making sure that their diet is rich in fiber.

Fiber can be derived from natural foods such as broccoli, carrots, peas, soybeans, potatoes, nuts and seeds.

Those who are unable to achieve proper fiber or flaxseed oil intake from food may consider nutritional supplements as an option.