High Fiber Diet

An intake of 25 to 40 grams of fiber per day has been shown to decrease the risk of disease such as colon, pancreas, and breast cancers. A high fiber diet can also reduce heart disease and gastrointestinal conditions. It is claimed that dietary fiber benefits sufferers of type 2 diabetes and pancreatitis, although this is not scientifically proven. It has also been suggested that fiber can protect against obesity although fiber food in itself is not known to give weight loss advantages.

Fiber Food

There are two main fiber categories: water soluble and water insoluble. In terms of dietary fiber, a balance of soluble (such as oats, fruit and legumes) and insoluble fiber food (such as grains and vegetables) is important in any high fiber diet. If you do not get enough fiber in your diet a fiber supplement can be used.

Fiber food tends to fill the stomach reducing appetite in the process. A high fiber diet may then protect against obesity. At the same time high fiber food is generally high in the minerals and vitamins important for overall wellbeing.

Some people can be allergic to certain fiber food (such as wheat) but by and large it is more likely that dietary fiber will improve health.

Dietary Fiber

You should try to avoid foods made with processed grain such as white rice and white bread as their dietary fiber content is low. You should also try to eat fresh vegetables and fruit rather than consuming fruit and vegetable juices as fiber tends to be removed during the process of juicing.

Disclaimer: While a high fiber diet can have major health benefits, anyone embarking on any major change in diet should always discuss the benefits with their doctor.

 

High Fiber Diet | Dietary Fiber | Fiber Food ©2005 Muscle and Fitness