Health Benefits of Dietary Fiber

LifeStyle Living promotes good health and wellness in hope of all of us looking and feeling good so in turn we'll all have the capacity and drive to succeed in other areas of our lives. I believe a healthy body and a healthy mind is the most important asset anyone owns. And guess what, we got it for free! Right? We didn't pay to be born, but we were fed, clothed and educated and in most cases, not all,we got paid (through allowances). Now taking care of this body is our #1 responsibility, #2 would be taking care of ourselves and others (i.e. family) through our jobs or businesses: the finances.

There was a poll in 1997 in the United States which asked what kept people awake at night? The top reasons was health and finances. Today, isn't it the same? Isn't it much the same today here in the Philippines? So, that is why we are talking about something very important today like Fiber and the health benefits of dietary fiber. It is known that many people do not eat enough fiber in their diets so this is a must know.

Fiber comes from whole wheat grains and brans as well as fruits and vegetables we eat. I eat plenty of fresh mangos, pineapples, and other various fruits I get at the palenke. Whenever possible, I choose wheat bread rather than white. Although white surely tastes better. But as a treat, White buns are better on an American Cheeseburger than anything else eh...

Fiber can benefit proper digestion because it acts as a prebiotic which supports the good bacteria in our digestive system called probiotics. Pro because it is good and biotics basically means bacteria (yogurt is a good source of probiotics as well as Yakult if you are in Asia). Fiber also supports the growth of colon cells for good colon health.

Fiber also helps a healthy immune system. Scientists believe that over 70% of your immune system resides in the intestinal tract so its very important to take care of your digestive system. It also helps with the elimination of environmental toxins, it also helps you poop better, and suppresses diseased cells in the intestinal tissue.

Fiber can help you with controlling blood glucose levels because it influences the rate of absorbtion of sugars in the intestinal walls. Low glycemic fruits and veggies are high in fiber. Makes sense?

Fiber can help control blood cholesterol levels because it binds bile acids in the intestines, which slows cholesterol absorbtion.

And I'm sure this will be a popular reason to eat foods high in fiber because fiber can help control food consumption hence controlling your body weight. Why? It enhances the feeling of fullness and lowers calorie intake.

So, I hope these few tid-bits will help you in your LifeStyle Living. What ever your LifeStyle would be so long as you are happy, healthy, wealthy (no use being happy and healthy and broke), and wise. Cheers!