The Many Benefits of Fiber

No.... this is not the same page over again - it is a short article recently printed in the Peace Arch News, in Vancouver, British Columbia. Completely unsolicited --- written by Eve Lees, a Fitness Counselor, Health Writer, Speaker and Editor of the Personal Health Newsletter.

The point here is we at the Lifestyles® Integrity Group want you to truly understand the value of fiber in your daily diet. It is very simple to get extra daily dietary fiber by using the Lifestyles® Cookies Cakes and Muffins, and we would suggest you make use of this information. But however you choose to do it there is absolutely no argument that your health could very well improve the closer you come to getting the recommended 25 - 35 grams of fiber per day in your diet.

So here it is:

Fiber: Our Body's Best Friend

From Peace Arch News - February 1, l997 - Eve Lees

One of the most widespread deficiencies in our diet is dietary fiber. High fiber diets can lower the risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers. The recommended intake of fiber is between 25 and 35 grams daily, for children and adults.

Foods high in fiber satisfy hunger because they hold a great deal of water. They are also low in fat and simple sugars, (and so) can prevent obesity.

There are two kinds of fiber, soluble and insoluble. Plants contain a mixture of both. Insoluble fiber is found in fruits and vegetables and doesn't break down during digestion. We call this roughage, rich in foods like whole grains. Fiber isn't absorbed into the blood stream, so it contributes few, if any, calories to the body.

Water soluble fiber is found in the natural gel-forming fibers like pectins and gums. This fiber forms a gel, adding a sticky fluid to the food in the intestines. Soluble fibers bind water and swell, which slows the passage of food from the mouth and stomach and helps to produce a feeling of satiety.

Researchers have found a low incidence of many diseases among people with high fiber diets. Soluble fiber binds with serum cholesterol and prevents it from being absorbed into the bloodstream. Studies show adding a mere 3 and 1/2 ounces of fiber daily to your diet can reduce cholesterol by an average of 13 percent in only 10 days.

For diabetics, the binding action of fiber helps slow the entry of glucose into the bloodstream. By improving glucose tolerance, high fiber diets can lower insulin needs in diabetics. Dietary fiber has also been linked to reduced risk of colon cancer.

Foods richest in fiber include all legumes and whole grains,, vegetables and fruit. Whole, fresh foods are best - the more processed or cooked, the less fiber the food contains.


Article written by:
Eve Lees - Fitness Counselor, Health Writer, Speaker and Editor of Personal Health Newsletter. As printed in the Peace Arch News - February 1, l997

Additional Information about
Lifestyles® Products and Programs

NEXT !

These Products Could Be Your Business