Facts and Benefits of Dietary Fiber

For centuries people from all cultures have known the benefits of high-fiber nutrition for internal cleansing and the body’s well-being. Once referred to as roughage and readily available in the average diet, fiber is missing in today’s over-processed foods, with their overabundance of saturated fats and refined carbohydrates. A lack of dietary fiber increases the risk for everything from constipation and gastrointestinal disorders to cardiovascular disease, diabetes and colon cancer.

Fiber works by speeding up the time it takes food to pass through the large intestines, thereby diluting toxic and carcinogenic compounds. It also modifies the metabolism of foods, binds them for elimination and modifies the toxic bacteria in the colon. Plus, dietary fiber is helpful for those who want to lose weight, since fiber absorbs water so you feel full and satisfied throughout the day. Adding fiber to your diet can help improve your eating habits, which can lead to weight loss and more energy!*

According to statistics, 62 million Americans are affected by digestive concerns each year.

The prevalence of some digestive concerns such as constipation, increase with age or may develop from factors like poor nutritional habits, dehydration, stress, fatigue, or smoking. Fiber and water help.

The current average fiber intake is estimated at about 12 grams per day, for American adults.

Experts agree that adults should consume 25 to 30 grams of fiber every day to maintain good health and normal bowel function. Fiber aids the transit of food through the intestines and provides an all-natural way to promote regularity and colon health. According to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, adults who eat at least 23 grams of fiber a day are less likely to gain weight over the long term than those who don’t regularly consume this amount of fiber. The study also revealed that fiber eaters also usually have lower insulin levels, which could lower the risk of obesity.

Foods rich in dietary fiber offer many health benefits.

These foods help with weight control, because they tend to be low in fat and added calories. They also provide a full feeling, which delays hunger. Foods rich in fiber can help in the management of cholesterol, thus reducing the risk of heart disease. Diabetic patients can benefit from a diet that includes fiber because it can slow glucose absorption. Finally, as previously stated, fiber helps with intestinal health and regularity.

Fiber is found in minimally processed plant foods such as fruit, vegetables, and whole grains.

Many people take fiber supplements to speed intestinal transit time, increase bulk, and provide relief from occasional constipation.

Herbalife’s Activated Fiber -Dietary Fiber Supplement, Florafiber-Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Fiber Tablets, Thermo Bond -High-Fiber Tablets and Active Fiber -Soluble Fiber Drink Mix contains high-quality dietary fiber from oats and other ingredients that help lower fat absorption rate while increasing fiber intake.* You’ll enjoy a feeling of satisfying fullness, enabling you to resist the temptation of between-meal snacks.*