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Body
Major dietary sources of fiber include whole grain cereals, breads, legumes (dried beans), fruits, and vegetables.
Fiber is the indigestible part of the carbohydrate; it does not provide any calories because our digestive tract does not have the enzymes needed to break it down. Fiber falls into two broad categories: soluble and insoluble.
Soluble Fiber:
May decrease serum (blood) cholesterol levels
May decrease blood sugar levels
Insoluble Fiber:
Helps to decrease and prevent constipation
Helps prevent diverticulitis
Decreases risk of colon cancer
Be aware that sudden excessive intake of fiber may result in intestinal gas, bloating, and cramps. These reactions will subside once your body adjusts to the increased fiber intake.
Catherine Boeckmann loves nature, stargazing, and gardening so it’s not surprising that she and The Old Farmer’s Almanac found each other. She leads digital content for the Almanac website, and is also a certified master gardener in the state of Indiana. Read More from Catherine Boeckmann
