Summary

Original source:
http://www.masslive.com/living/republican/index.ssf?/base/living-0/1117093684324200.xml&coll=1

Details

• Dietary fiber is an important nutrient the body requires for optimal functioning and good health.
• The American Dietetic Association and many other health organizations agree that the public should consume adequate amounts of fiber from a variety of plant foods and legumes, about 20 to 35 grams a day for healthy adults.
• Because the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes are low in the typical American diet.
• Soluble fiber forms a gel when mixed with liquid, while insoluble fiber passes through the digestive tract largely intact.
• Some common food sources of insoluble fiber are whole wheat products, bran, crushed flax seed, and vegetables and fruit skins.
• Many foods in the markets are now labeled "high fiber" or a "good source of fiber" or are fortified with additional fiber, such as some bread products, cereals and pastas.
• Checking for dietary fiber on the Nutrition Facts label is the best bet - be sure these products have at least 3 grams per serving and preferably list a whole grain as their first ingredient.
• Fiber derives its name from the fact its complex structures are not digested in the human stomach and small intestine.
• Therefore, its journey through the digestive tract has many positive effects on the body, including lowering blood cholesterol levels, normalizing blood sugar and insulin levels, and preventing constipation, diverticulosis and colon cancer.
• A dietitian can help tailor a meal plan that is rich in fiber, but still appropriate in calories.
• Lack of adequate fluid with increased fiber intake could lead to more constipation.
• Quick and easy ways to add fiber to your daily routine include having a high-fiber cereal or bread at breakfast, having ½ to 1 cup of fresh fruit at least three times per day and having at least 1 - 1 ½ cups of vegetables with lunch and supper.

Related Articles

Popular Topics: Vegetables, Legumes, Food, Diabetes, Breast cancer, Prostate cancer, Heart disease, Depression, High cholesterol, Osteoporosis, Vaccines, Autism, ADHD, Infertility, Weight loss, Cancer, Alzheimer's, Trans fats, Acrylamides, Fluoride, Mercury	Take Action: Support NaturalNews.com Email this article to a friend Share this article on: NewsVine | digg | del.icio.us Permalink to this article: http://www.NaturalNews.com/008563.html Reprinting this article: Non-commercial OK, cite NaturalNews.com with clickable link. <a href = "http://www.NaturalNews.com/008563.html">Fiber can be beneficial to people of all ages, not just the elderly</a>
Receive our Natural Health Newsletter for FREE Subscribe now (it's free!) to win. We randomly choose a subscriber each month to send $100 in eco-home products or a RealGoods.com gift certificate (our choice). Plus, you'll receive FREE news, articles and action alerts from NaturalNews.com editors and join over 800,000 monthly readers who report extraordinary health improvements after becoming a subscriber! Receive breaking news alerts on natural health solutions, renewable energy, the environment, global warming and more. Receive a free instant download of our $29 Secret Sources guide that reveals top sources for little-known health and diet solutions.	Your Email Address: Free Subscription Code: Enter the numbers you see: 100% free of charge. Unsubscribe anytime. Absolutely no spam. We respect your email privacy.
Recommended Special Report: Seven Words that can Change the World by Joseph R. Simonetta Read this special report now... "Seven Words That Can Change the World reveals the astonishing, simple truths that have the power to forever transform our world for the better while freeing our minds from the enslavement of limiting beliefs. This is not a text for the simple-minded; it is a guiding philosophy for the mindful, intelligent few who are wise enough to seek out -- and recognize -- the higher simplicities of truly purposeful living." - Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, editor of NaturalNews.com	More on NaturalNews.com: • Streaming Health Ranger Videos • CounterThink Cartoons • FREE Special Reports • Podcasts