Entry

What Are The Benefits of Fiber?

Mar 14th, 2008 20:49
ha mo, David Cowgill, http://www.ibsweblog.com/benefits-of-fiber.php

Fiber not only promotes health, it also help reduce the risk for some 
chronic diseases. For instance, fiber prevents constipation, 
hemorrhoids and diverticulosis. Fiber is also linked to prevent some 
cancers especially colon and breast cancer. In addition, fiber may 
help lower the LDL cholesterol (the Bad cholesterol) and the total 
cholesterol therefore reducing the risk of heart disease. Furthermore, 
fiber can help lower blood sugar therefore help better manage 
diabetes. 
Types of Fiber: Soluble Fiber and Insoluble Fiber
Both soluble and insoluble fiber are undigested. They are therefore 
not absorbed into the bloodstream. Instead of being used for energy, 
fiber is excreted from our bodies. Soluble fiber forms a gel when 
mixed with liquid, while insoluble fiber does not. Insoluble fiber 
passes through our intestines largely intact.
Benefits of Insoluble Fiber
-promote regular bowel movement and prevent constipation 
-remove toxic waste through colon in less time 
-keep an optimal pH in intestines to prevent microbes from producing 
-cancer substances; therefore preventing colon cancer 
Benefits of Soluble Fiber
-lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (the Bad cholesterol) 
therefore reducing the risk of heart disease 
-regulate blood sugar for people with diabetes 
Key Message
An average diet contains 75%:25% insoluble fiber: soluble fiber. When 
making a food choice decision, don't worry about choosing a specific 
type of fiber. Many foods such as oat, oat brans, psyllium husk and 
flax seed are rich in both insoluble and soluble fiber. Eating enough 
fiber is more important! The recommended intake of fiber is 25g per 
day. If you eat at least 5 servings of fruits & vegetables as well as 
at least 6 servings of grain products per day (at least 3 of which are 
whole grains), you are very likely meeting the fiber requirements.
http://www.healthinhealth.com