Is it really true that how we live affects health? The research
certainly says so. More and more studies keep pointing to
sensible eating, regular exercise, no smoking, minimal alcohol
and less stress as the best ways to control disease and enjoy a
higher quality of life. Nutrition is more than the food you eat.
It's also how you digest, absorb and metabolize these nutrients.
But assuming your body uses food well, there's ample evidence
showing that what goes in your mouth has a good deal to do with
your health and life expectancy. Fiber or roughage, the
undigested portion of plants, continually proves itself to be an
invaluable part of a healthy menu. Upping your fiber intake,
particularly with the water soluble fiber found in dried beans
and oat bran, is an inexpensive and safe way to lower blood
cholesterol (1). Dietary roughage also wards off constipation,
improves diabetic symptoms, helps treat hypertension, decreases
the risk of colon cancer and generally fills you up. Decreasing
the fatty foods you eat