Help Prevent Colon Cancer
Fiber is an important aspect in our daily lives for our health. Studies have shown that a high-fiber diet can reduce the risks of disease and other conditions that affect our health and longevity, such as several types of cancers, diverticulosis, varicose veins and hemorrhoids [Reference].
In fact, scientists believe that fiber works within the intestine by cleansing and absorbing the nasty chemicals that might be carcinogenic, possibly lowering the risk of colon cancer.
Help Reduce Blood Cholesterol and Prevent Heart Disease
Diets that are high in fiber have been found to also reduce the risk of blood cholesterol levels and heart disease.
Help Digestion Process
Fiber that is consumed is virtually indigestible and passes through our systems practically unchanged. It influences the digestion process. Fiber is important for many other reasons, such as digestive disorders. Because of its bulk content, fiber help to alleviate constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain as well as flatulence.
Help You Lose Weight
When consuming fiber during regular meals, it slows down the eating process and has a way of making you feel fuller longer. Fiber foods are more natural plant-based foods.
A high-fiber diet is also a good way to lose weight because fiber has no calories and adds volume to the foods to dilute the caloric intake. As a result, this means people can eat the same quantity of foods, with the lesser calories, without feeling hungry.
Better Iron Levels
Because of the source of most high-fiber foods, they are higher in iron levels. People eating a high fiber diet have better iron levels (measured by hemoglobin).
Sources Of Fiber
Some of the best sources of fiber are whole-grain breads, fruits, most vegetables – especially the leafy greens, nuts, all-natural cereals, beans and other whole-grain products.
Fiber Alone or Reduced Animal Proteins?
We should point also that studies don’t confirm the same benefits for fiber supplements. After realizing the importance of fiber in your diet for your health, scientists are not 100 per cent sure that those benefits are totally due to fiber alone or by the fact that generally a high fiber diet means a whole food-plant based diet with very low amount of proteins from animal sources.
It may be the fact that a high-fiber diet should consist of eating very little amounts of meat. Maybe those protective effects are due to eating less meat, as stated in research here: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10235221.
