Dietary Fiber

Defined

• Indigestible part of food which cannot be broken down by the body
• No nutritional value
• No caloric value
• Helps protect against certain types of disease such as breast, colon and prostate cancer
• Decreases the risk of heart and cardiovascular disease
• Helps lowers blood pressure
  
• Improves glucose metabolism
  
• Adds bulk to diet

Types

Insoluble

• Absorbs water, does not dissolve in water
• Adds bulk to food and facilitates the digestive process while remove waste products

Soluble

• Delays the absorption of carbohydrates
  
• Helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels

Guidelines

• Minimum: 25-30 grams per day
  
• Optimum: 50-60 grams per day
  
• 5-6 serving of fruit and vegetables or other high fiber foods

Click on www.mypyramid.gov to view proper nutrition guidelines based on your age, sex and activity level.