Fiber :



While grocery shopping this weekend, I noticed the increasing number of products on the shelves that contain fiber. Gone are the days of grainy laxative drinks that are difficult to swallow or tolerate. There is now an array of fiber drinks and fiber-supplemented products, such as yogurt and breakfast cereals. With this in mind, it’s surprising to learn that most Americans consume only about 50 percent of the recommended daily fiber intake of 25 grams for a 2000-calorie diet.
Fiber is an important part of your diet. It has been linked to prevention of a number of diseases, including colon cancer and heart disease. In addition, adequate amounts of dietary fiber in the diet prevent constipation. Many dieters are increasing their fiber intake in an effort to add bulk to their diet, but in some instances fiber may also help to alter absorption of fat or cholesterol in the intestine. Studies have shown that this alteration in absorption may result in a decrease in LDL or “bad” cholesterol without affecting the HDL or “good” cholesterol, another great health benefit of fiber!
One word of warning: if you add sources of fiber to your diet, especially as part of a weight loss plan, be sure to increase your fluid consumption or you may notice signs of constipation.