Wednesday 8 May 2013

Health Benefits Of Fiber


Statistical data shows that cardiovascular diseases are the most prevalent cause of death worldwide. Dietary patterns and life style practices such as smoking, physical activity significantly affect cardiovascular heath. Epidemiological studies associate high dietary fiber intake with lower prevalence rate of coronary heart diseases, stroke and hypertension. Studies suggest high fiber consumption reduces major risk factors such as diabetes, obesity and dyslipidemeia.

Many cohort studies stated that high fiber consumption,specifically whole grains are associated with a significantly lower CVD risks. While cereal fibers are found to have very similar effects of whole grains. 26% reduction in stroke prevalence is allied with higher whole grain intake. In French and Chinese studies, high fiber consumption was linked with lower prevalence of hypertension, lower total serum cholesterol and triglyceride value than were lower intake. Chinese study also associated lower BMI with high fiber consumption. Persons with high fiber consumption levels have a 29% lower risk of CHD. Increased fiber intake modestly lower the blood pressure of normal people and also reduces systolic & diastolic blood pressure for hypertensive individuals by -6mm of Hg and -4 mm of Hg respectively.

Individuals with the highest level of dietary fiber consumption have 29% reduced risk for developing diabetes as compared to those with lowest intake. Randomized controlled clinical trials illustrated that moderate increase in dietary fiber intake are linked with improved fasting glycemia and insulinemia and increased insulin sensitivity for non diabetics. Randomized controlled clinical trials for diabetic individuals also suggest moderate increase in fiber utilization improves glycemic control.

 High fiber foods or supplements are likely to improve heart health, blood pressure, serum lipoproteins and also assist weight management

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