Our favorite carbohydrate is making headlines again. Best known for its ability to promote good digestive health and combat cholesterol, fiber has been one of the main staples of a healthy diet since diets were invented. And yet, still, new discoveries are being made all the time. Here are some of the latest:
Fiber May Help Prevent Lung Diseases
A study published in the January issue of the Annals of the American Thoracic Society examined data gathered in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. They found that of the people who consumed the most fiber, — more than 17.5 grams of fiber daily—68.3% had normal lung function and that only 14.8% had airway restriction. In comparison, of those who consumed the least fiber—less than 10.75 grams—50.1% had normal lung function and 29.8% had airway restriction. The researchers cite fiber’s ability to combat inflammation and regulate the gut microbiome as the source of the possible health benefits.
A Low-Fiber Diet May Damage Gut Flora for Generations
This study comes to us from the July 2015 issue of Nature. Scientists fed mice low-fiber diets and found that certain strains of gut bacteria died off. These bacteria did not reappear when the mice were re-administered a high-fiber diet. After four mouse generations, most of the beneficial strains of gut bacteria had gone extinct due to the low-fiber diets. (This is another good reason for people to take FloraFood, too!)
Avoiding Fiber May Cause Crohn’s Disease to Flare Up
Researchers surveyed over 1,100 Crohn’s Disease sufferers about the behavior of their disease and their diets. From the data that they collated, they were able to determine that patients were approximately 40% less likely to have a disease flare up when they did not avoid high-fiber foods compared to those that did. In general, Crohn’s Disease sufferers who consumed the most fiber were the least likely to have flare ups period, according to the research published in the December 2015 issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
More Indication that Fiber Contributes to Weight Loss
According to a story published in the Washington Post, Under Armour—the athletic apparel company—looked at data from 427,000 of its MyFitnessPal app users who lost weight. Those who came closest to their weight-loss goals showed nearly identical data when compared to those who did not achieve optimum weight-loss results: similar calories consumed, protein, fat, carbs and exercise. The only difference, those who slimmed down most ate about 29% more fiber.
The AIM Companies provides fiber through two amazing supplements: Herbal Fiberblend and fit ‘n fiber. Both are effective ways of adding fiber to the diet to aid with weight management and digestive health. They can be combined into one potent super-fiber formula that tastes fantastic!
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