By Leo Gil
We tend to overlook a key nutrient in our diets— fiber! According to the Institute of Medicine, men and women younger than 50 years need 38 and 25 grams of fiber respectively, every day[1]. Men and women older than 50 years require 30 and 21 grams of fiber daily. So, why is fiber so important?
4 Benefits of Fiber
· Healthy Colon and Cancer Prevention:
Fiber is crucial for a healthy digestive system, since it prevents constipation by promoting healthy bowel movement, which decreases the chances of colon cancer.[2]
· Heart Attack Prevention:
Fiber also aids in the absorption of cholesterol in our bloodstream. This is linked to the prevention of coronary artery disease, which is directly associated with heart attacks.[3]
· Type 2 Diabetes Prevention:
Fiber doesn’t require insulin to be digested, so a diet that is high in fiber helps maintain normal blood sugar levels. A study performed by the German Institute of Human Nutrition suggests that people who include the daily requirement of fiber into their diets are 27% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who don’t.[4]
· Weight Loss Promotion:
Since fiber is not broken down, it does not contribute any calories to your diet. However it does provide a feeling of fullness which battles hunger and overeating.[5]
In conclusion, fiber assists in the prevention of three major diseases which are amongst the top leading causes of death in the U.S. Give your body a nutritional boost and add some more fiber to your diet today!
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