Fiber Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Fiber - Essay Example However, with advances in the scientific field the various health benefits of fiber were identified. Hence regular consumption of generous amounts of dietary fiber in the diet has been proven to reduce the risk for developing several diseases such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, obesity, blood pressure, gall stones, diseases of the colon and it has also been found to boost the immune system (Dietary fiber, 1996; Anderson et al, n.d). Research studies have revealed that people consume less than the recommended levels of dietary fiber. The amount of dietary fiber intake depends on the age, gender and total calorie intake (Anderson et al, n.d). The major advantage provided by dietary fiber is the presence of a mixture of bio-molecules along with the fiber which may include vitamins, minerals or phytochemicals which actually contribute to protection against diseases (Dietary fiber, 1996). The occurrence of cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease, stroke and hypertension which affects a majority of the population worldwide can be effectively reduced by consumption of sufficient amounts of dietary fiber. Fiber reduces the risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases such as diabetes, obesity and dyslipidemia. Many studies beginning from 1982 have proven the effect of dietary fiber intake, especially the whole grains, on the risk of cardiovascular disease (Dietary fiber, 1996; Anderson et al, n.d ; Rosamond, 2002). While the exact mechanism by which dietary fiber reduces the risk of heart diseases is not known, it is however, found to effect serum cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels by binding to bile acids in the small intestine and thus increasing their elimination from the body via feces (Dietary fiber, 1996; Anderson et al, n.d). In addition, dietary fiber also has an advantage of low-cost can be beneficial to all classes of