by 1 Cylivers
It is difficult to believe that fiber could also be ``bad’’ because it really isn’t! Fiber is a complex carbohydrate that cannot be digested and therefore, contains NO CALORIES! Can you believe that?
Fiber reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and constipation among other such ailments, thereby keeping you healthy and fighting fit!! It is also known to prevent cancer and of course, fights obesity. It bulks up the waste in the body and throws that out of the system.
The sticky fiber keeps your cholesterol levels in check by removing the bile acid that digests fat in your body. It also regulates the blood sugar level in your body by coating the lining of your intestine and delaying the emptying of your stomach. Phew! What more could you ask for?
So, crunch up on that fiber. Consume as much of it as possible everyday. Nutritionists recommend an intake of about 38 grams of fiber for men who are 50 or younger and about 25 grams for women in the same category.
For those above 51, they suggest an intake of 30 grams for men and 21 grams for women. Just to give you an idea, kidney beans contain 16 grams of fiber per cup, raspberries contain 11 grams per cup, green peas contain 9 grams per cup and raisin bran contains 7 grams per cup.
So, eat those bran muffins, oats, oat bran, hearty whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Try to eat at least 5 different fruits and vegetables every day for your body to get its adequate quantity of fiber.
