Fiber
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In the ordinary metabolic sense of the term, fiber is not a nutrient at all. In a crude and purely physical way, fiber acts as a vital nutrient because it's a substance -- found in food -- that your body needs for one of its most vital functions: To eliminate some of the waste products of ordinary metabolism. Fiber lowers cholesterol and blood sugar levels and helps move waste through the intestines.
Diets rich in plant fiber are related to a reduction of heart disease, colon cancer and diabetes. Most scientists and nutritionists have accepted that the body needs between 20 and 30 grams of fiber per day for optimal elimination of waste. Many people routinely get much less fiber than this. Animal foods have no natural fiber. Highly refined plant foods often have had much of their natural fiber removed.
Getting more fiber is linked to less severe strokes, according to the findings of a Boston study of 50 men and women. Intakes of both total fiber and insoluble fiber were inversely linked to stroke severity. The average fiber intake in the study wasn't even high, only 10 grams a day, which is less than half the Daily Value of 25 grams a day.
Where you get fiber: Fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Fruits and vegetables, except for the very starchy ones like potatoes and rice, generally have the most fiber with the fewest calories. There are also fiber supplements available that have almost no calories at all.
Suggestion: If you're upping your fiber intake, do it slowly to avoid stomach upset. Also, drink lots of water.
Fiber Aids and Supplements
- Fiber Clean Capsules -- Doctor Approved. Fiber Clean contains 500 mg of psyllium husk powder to effectively and easily increase your fiber intake.
- Natural Fiber -- Natural Fiber Concentrate comes in a convenient powder. The powder may be mixed with 8 ounces of water or can be simply sprinkled over or mixed into your regular food. Whenever you take additional fiber into your diet be sure to drink adequate amounts of fluids to avoid potential problems.
- Very Berry Fiber Wafers Chewable -- These great tasting chewable tablets are an easy way to increase your fiber intake. Chewable tablets taste great!
- Fiber Clean Capsules -- Doctor Approved. Fiber Clean contains 500 mg of psyllium husk powder to effectively and easily increase your fiber intake.
- ClearFiber -- Cleanfiber™ can help significantly lower cholesterol levels with consistent use. Clearfiber™ may also benefit individuals interested in weight loss. Clearfiber™, unlike many other dietary fibers, improves the absorption of calcium and magnesium.
- SteviaPlus Fiber -- SteviaPlus Fiber is a naturally sweet fiber supplement powder. It contains 100 percent natural inulin fiber and has no fat, calories, carbohydrates or artificial sweeteners.
- Everybody's Fiber -- Everybody's Fiber is a bulk powder product that combines fiber and herbs for cleansing and soothing the digestive system. Fiber is critical to colon health and proper digestive function. And each serving of Everybody's Fiber provides 3 full grams of dietary fiber!
- Fiber Delights -- Fiber Delights is formulated with oat bran and enriched inulin fibers, two non-psyllium sources of fiber that gently promote and maintain regularity. Plus, you're supporting a healthy immune system and cardiovascular function with every tasty tablet.
- Fiber Perfect -- Fiber Perfect™ is a patented combination of natural dietary fibers, green algae, botanicals, organic acids and the cell wall of beneficial bacteria. Promotes bowel regulation and colon support.
- Fiber Fusion -- Enzymatic Therapy's Fiber Formula contains all-natural fibers and herbs that safely absorb and eliminate toxins and improve colon function.
- Superior Fiber Blend -- This whole-foods drink mix is scientifically formulated to help you maintain healthy cholesterol levels and support a healthy colon.
- Organic Daily Fiber -- Organic Daily Fiber™ is a USDA certified organic fiber supplement that naturally supports cleansing for a healthy digestive environment. It is formulated with 100 percent certified organically grown flax seed and pea hull fiber, alfalfa and barley grasses plus chia seed.
- Organic Triple Fiber -- Organic Triple Fiber™ is a blend of organic ground flax seed, organic acacia gum and organic gluten-free oat bran.
- Organic Fiber Bar -- ReNew Life, Inc. has created a high fiber bar that is organic and tastes so good, you will eat them because you want to, not because you have to! Organic Fiber bars are a better tasting, concentrated fiber product that promotes good digestive health.
Quick Fiber Quiz
Which of the following foods contains the most fiber?:
A. One-half cup of baked beans
B. A turkey sandwich made with whole-grain bread
C. 1 prepared packet of instant oatmeal
D. 1 cup of fresh, whole strawberries
Answer: A, the beans.
Beans are an excellent source of fiber. A half-cup serving of typical canned or home made baked beans contains 7 grams of fiber, more than double the amount found in a sandwich, instant oatmeal, or strawberries.
See also: Reading Food Labels for Sodium and Fiber
Plus, Eight Conditions You Can Fight with Fiber and Fiber: A Non-Nutritional Vital Nutrient and/or Fitting Fiber into Your Day from our sister site, Fitness and Freebies.
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