Forget the fountain of youth! According to a new report from the
National Cancer Institute people who eat high fiber diets are
22% less likely to die from chronic disease. High fiber diets
were associated with lower risk for heart disease, respiratory
disease, diabetes and obesity. This study also revealed that
fiber-rich diets reduced risk for the development of cancers in
men, but not significantly for women. Fiber in the diet helps to
lower cholesterol, aids in blood sugar regulation and is
critical to bowel regularity. Dietary fiber also boosts immune
health by supporting beneficial bacteria that reside in the
intestines. Americans average about 15g fiber daily. Dietary
recommendations for fiber are 25g per day for women and 30g per
day for men. Those study participants who ate fiber levels
closer to these recommendations were less likely to develop
chronic disease leading to death. Increased incidence of chronic
disease and death related to these chronic diseases was found in
those study participants who