|
There are two kinds of fiber: soluble and insoluble, and our bodies
need both. Soluble fiber is found in foods like fruits and beans. Bran,
the outer layer of grain, is a good source of insoluble fiber.
Fiber is essential for good colon health. If you frequently experience
constipation, it could be that you need to drink a lot more water and
include more high-fiber foods in your diet.
It is an established fact that fiber plays an important role in disease
prevention. Fiber moves food through your colon faster than it would
go otherwise, reducing and preventing build-up, blockages, and reabsorption
of toxins through the colon walls. One statistic maintains that the
average person eating the Standard American Diet (SAD) has 8 pounds
of toxic waste buildup caked on their colon walls!!! Decreased transit
time is an important factor in preventing diverticulitis, hemerrhoids,
and constipation. Fiber also dilutes, binds, and deactivates many carcinogens
(cancer-causing substances). Soluble fiber reduces cholesterol.
One source recommends 35 grams of fiber daily.
Here's a Quik List of what a fiber-rich eating style can do
for you:
Prevent
diverticulitis |
Reduce
cholesterol |
Prevent
hemerrhoids |
Lower
fasting blood-sugar levels |
Prevent
constipation |
Provide
fullness & curb appetite |
Prevent
heart-disease |
Absorb
and remove toxins |
Prevent
cancer |
Reduce
blood estrogen levels |
Bind
bile acids, reducing risk of cancer |
Promote
growth of good bacteria |
Dilute,
bind, & deactivate carcinogens |
|
Some Moderate &
High Fiber Foods
100% Whole
wheat bagel |
Navy beans |
Artichoke |
100% Whole
grain bread |
Pinto
beans |
Asparagus |
100% Whole
grain cereals |
White
beans |
Green
beans |
Muesli |
Lima beans |
Brussel
Sprouts |
Oatmeal |
Blueberries |
Celery |
Barley |
Blackberries |
Cabbage |
Whole
grain pasta |
Raspberries |
Carrots |
Bran muffin |
Strawberries |
Cauliflower |
100% whole
grain muffin |
Banana |
Corn |
Wheat
germ |
Peach |
Peas
|
Bran (oat,
wheat, rice, other) |
Pineapple |
Kale |
Chick
peas (garbanzo beans) |
Tomato |
Parsnip |
Lentils |
Orange |
Squash |
Bean soup |
Grapefruit |
Turnip |
Split
pea soup |
Apricot |
Broccoli |
Kidney
beans |
Apple
with skin |
Potato |
Baked
beans |
Dried
fruits |
Sweet
Potato |
Aduki
beans |
Prunes |
Baked
potato w/ skin |
Fava beans |
Figs |
Spinach |
Black
beans |
Raisins |
|
|