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| context, and reach for Metamucil or another high-fiber packaged product when they're suffering ''irregularity." But that's a mistake you shouldn't make, because fiber does many more good things for your health. |
| SMART MOVE |
| Truly a man ahead of his time, Sylvester Graham, the man who gave the world graham crackers, was already extolling the virtues of fiber back in the nineteenth century. |
| Graham was convinced that fiber was the most healthful component of grains, fruits, and beansa theory that raised more than a few eyebrows. Today researchers are finding more and more evidence that Graham was on the right track: fiber ranks right up there with vitamins and minerals as a health and healing essential. |
| There are two types of fiber: |
| Soluble fiber, found in foods such as oat bran, broccoli, and apples, slows the movement of food through the intestine. |
| Insoluble fiber, found in foods such as wheat bran, dried beans such as kidney and pinto, and celery, speeds up the movement of food through the intestine. |
| Although the two functions seem to cancel each other out, you need both soluble and insoluble fiber to keep you healthy. You don't need to worry about which kind you're eating; if you eat a wide array of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, you'll get plenty of both. |
| Getting plenty is your goal: in addition to performing important digestive functions, fiber is known to prevent certain health problems and diseases. For example, fiber is known to do, or is strongly suspected of doing, the following: |
| Help prevent hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are very uncommon in countries where people eat high-fiber diets. |
| Lower blood cholesterol levels. |
| Lower the risk of heart disease. |
| Help prevent colon cancer. |
| Help diabetics control their blood sugar levels; high-fiber foods take longer to break down into sugars. |
| For all these reasons, the National Cancer Institute and the American Dietetic Association |
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