Monday, June 25, 2007

Importance of dietary fiber

Dietary fiber has been shown to protect us from cancer (especially colon cancer) , heart disease, bowel disease, including constipation and diverticulosis, and obesity. It may also help to reduce blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

Fiber is found only in plant foods. Fruits and vegetables are a good source of fiber, especially if you eat them fresh with the skin on. Fiber is also found in whole-grain breads and cereals. You must read the ingredient list on the food label to make sure it says "whole grain". Otherwise, you may be consuming brown coloring without any additional fiber.

Beans and other legumes are an excellent and inexpensive source of fiber. Foods with more than 4 grams of fiber are considered to be good sources.

The easiest way for most of us to get more fiber in our diets is to eat a high-fiber cereal for breakfast each morning.

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