Numerous studies have shown that taking fiber can benefit
your heart
in many ways. A diet rich in fiber can lower
the risk of high cholesterol, high blood
pressure and being overweight, all three
of which are factors for heart disease.
Adults should eat at least 25 grams of fiber
every day. There is a decrease in the risk
factors for heart
disease for every five-gram increase
in dietary fiber that you consume. Therefore,
the more fiber you eat, the better your
health will be.
The human body breaks down and absorbs food
components other than fiber such as fats,
proteins or carbohydrates. Fiber on the
other hand isn't digested, so it passes
through your stomach and small intestine
and into your colon before exiting the body.
Fiber can slow the absorption of sugar,
which lowers the risk of developing type
2 diabetes and helps improve blood sugar
levels for those who have diabetes.
You can find fiber in cereals, breads and
other products containing whole or milled
barley grain, fruit, vegetables, and beans.
Many other foods have fiber and other healthful
components. Look online or ask a dietician
for additional foods with fiber in them.
Gradually increase the fiber content of
your diet to reduce the potential of associated
intestinal gas, abdominal bloating, and
cramping. Soaking beans overnight or lightly
steaming vegetables helps break down gas-producing
components, as do over-the-counter products
that contain a natural food enzyme that
works with your body's digestion to break
down the complex sugars in gassy foods.
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