Fiber

While not a nutrient, Fiber is an important element of a healthy diet. Fiber is grouped into 2 categories: Soluble Fiber – coming from sources like citrus fruits, oats, legumes, and barley; and Insoluble Fiber – coming from wheat products. Most Fiber-containing foods have a combination of both types of fiber. Studies suggest that Soluble Fiber may help reduce blood cholesterol and blood glucose in some people; while Insoluble Fiber is important for proper bowel function and reduced symptoms of chronic constipation, diverticular disease and haemorrhoids.

High Fiber foods also can be helpful with weight control efforts since Fiber swells with water, giving people a more satisfied feeling. Also, Fiber lingers in the stomach, helping you feel full. However, adding more than 35 mg of Fiber to your diet is not recommended, since excessive Fiber intake may actually interfere with the absorption of some minerals. Good sources of Fiber are oats, eggplants, strawberries, pineapples, okra, broccoli, whole grains, cabbage, cauliflower, dried beans, and wheat.

(The above article is posted by permission of the copyright owner, Shirley Del Prado-Quejada, President of the Association of Fitness Professionals of the Philippines.)

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