Health Benefits of A High Fiber Diet

A diet high in fiber can benefit your health in many ways.  Fiber keeps your digestive system working smoothly, helps move elimination and waste from the body and fiber is rich in vitamins and nutrients. An increased amount of fiber can also help you feel fuller longer, which is important if you’re watching your weight.

A study conducted at the Harvard School of Medicine found that men who consumed 12 grams of fiber a day were twice as likely to develop precancerous colon changes as men whose daily fiber intake was 30 grams or higher.  Scientist are not exactly sure why fiber can help reduce the risks of colon cancer but it is thought that insoluble fiber adds bulk to stools, which helps speed their transit through the intestines, leaving less time for carcinogenic changes.

Other studies have shown that adequate levels of fiber can also help against breast cancer, heart disease, digestive disorders, diabetes and obesity.  If you suffer from constipation, increasing your fiber content should help.  It also helps to drink adequate amounts of water daily to help the fiber through your system.

An easy way to start the day with an adequate amount of fiber is to have a fiber-rich breakfast cereal and some fruit.  Vegetables, beans and fruits are high in fiber and also many other important nutrients. Eating lots of fruit, vegetable and whole grain based salads will give you the fiber you need.

Now that you know all the benefits of adding fiber to your diet, here is an easy way to help you increase your fiber intake: http://www.naturalmomsrecipes.com/salad-cookbook.html