Health Tip #:002
Boost The Fiber In Your Diet
Dietary fiber has been shown to be beneficial to good health. An indigestible carbohydrate found in plant foods dietary fiber comes in two forms. One, insoluble fiber, may help prevent colon cancer. Good sources are whole grains, high-fiber cereals, fruits and vegetables. The other, soluble fiber helps lower blood cholesterol and especially important for diabetics, may help control blood glucose by slowing the digestion of dietary glucose. Soluble fiber is found in oats, legumes, fruits, and vegetables.
Just a few changes can be incorporated for any lifestyle with ease. To boost fiber:
1. Include plenty of beans and lentils in meals. These members of the legume family-which also includes peas, soybeans, and peanuts-are loaded with protein and minerals.
2. If the peel on the fruit and vegetable is edible, leave it on for more fiber.
3. Opt for whole grain breads and crackers. To tell whether a product is high fiber, check the label. Make sure the first ingredient is whole wheat or another type of whole grain flour.
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