DISCLAIMER: THIS PAGE CONTAINS A GENERAL EDUCATIONAL DISCUSSION ON THE ABOVE TOPIC. IT IS NOT HEALTH ADVICE AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS SUCH. YOU SHOULD NEVER RELY UPON THE INFORMATION GIVEN HERE. YOUR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES MAY WELL REQUIRE AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT APPROACH. YOU SHOULD NOT MAKE ANY CHANGES IN YOUR MEDICATIONS, DIET, ACTIVITY, LIFESTYLE, ETC. WITHOUT FIRST CONSULTING A LICENSED PHYSICIAN IN YOUR AREA.
What is fiber?
This important component of a healthy diet is a nondigestible carbohydrate contained in plant products such as fruits, vegetables and whole grain products. Because it is not digested by our bodies, it simply passes through the intestines without getting absorbed into the body.
The main sources of fiber in the diet include legumes (lentils, beans, peas), vegetables (including spinach, broccoli, zucchini, okra, sweet potato, squash and brussel sprouts), fruits (primarily citrus fruits, papayas, apples, grapes, raisins, cantaloupes and prunes), granola and whole grains such as oat, brown rice, whole grain breads (whole wheat, rye, pumpernickel), cereals and laxatives that contain psyllium.
It is important to differentiate between whole grain products and refined grain products such as pasta, white rice and white bread. The process of refining grain removes fiber from the grain.
Diets high in fiber tend to be low in fat and cholesterol at the same time. They also tend to be more filling so people don't eat as much. People who eat high fiber diets have a lower cholesterol level, a lower incidence of heart disease and live longer. This type of diet may also give protection against colon cancer and breast cancer. The American Heart Association recommends a daily intake of 25 to 30 grams of fiber. However most people in the United States now only consume about 15 grams a day. The main side effect to be alert for with high fiber diets is gastrointestinal upset.
RETURN TO HEALTHY HEARTS RESOURCE CENTER
HOME | CONTENTS | SEARCH | PRACTICE PROFILE | MEET THE PHYSICIANS | WHAT'S NEW |