What diseases does fiber help prevent?

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Fiber is best known for helping to keep food moving efficiently through your body. Actually, this is only one of the many ways fiber contributes to good health. Fiber helps prevent:

Heart disease. Fiber aids in the prevention of heart disease by lowering your cholesterol.
Cancer. Research shows people with eat a high-fiber diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and grains are less likely to develop certain types of cancer.
Diabetes. Fiber helps control blood sugar levels for people with diabetes.
Digestive problems. Adequate amounts of fiber from foods can help prevent constipation and hemorrhoids.
Weight gain. A high-fiber eating plan is lower in calories and tends to make you feel full faster.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Nutrition

Eating a variety of foods each day that are low in fat and calories ensures you get proper nutrition and nutrients like folate, magnesium and iron. Calcium, fiber, potassium and selenium are other nutrients essential for wellness, growth, development, cell repair and disease prevention. Colorful foods, such as fruits and vegetables, are often the richest sources of nutrients. Taking a multivitamin once daily is a good way to supplement your diet.

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