High-Fiber Diet Wins Again!
Edward Lewis
June 30, 2006
A high fiber diet brings C-reactive protein (CRP) levels low, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease and diabetes. That's the good news a new study found.
An elevated level of CRP in the blood, which is also called blood protein cardio-CRP, highly sensitive CRP or hs-CRP, is a significant risk factor for developing heart attack and diabetes in the future. CRP can be measured by a simple and inexpensive blood test.
An investigation team at the University of Massachusetts conducted a prospective and cross-sectional study of the relation of dietary fiber content and CRP concentrations in 524 middle-aged men and women who were overweight or obese. After adjustments for body mass index, smoking status, infections, and age, the data showed that almost 18% men and women with elevated CRP levels (above 3 milligrams per liter of blood) had a drop with increased fiber intake. Those who ate a high fiber intake were 63% less likely to have high CRP levels compared to those who were low on fiber.
Fiber is linked to maintaining healthy intestinal bacterial flora which promotes anti-inflammatory and antioxidative processes. The finding from this study supports the recommendation that adults take 20 to 35 grams of fiber per day, obtainable from fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains.
Dietary fiber is classified either as soluble fiber or insoluble fiber depending on the solubilty in water and other factors. Both soluble and insoluble fiber are beneficial.
Besides checking on CRP levels, it is also important not to overlook other risk factors such as blood pressure, blood sugar levels and family history of heart problems.
Reference : "Association between dietary fiber and serum C-reactive protein." Ma Yunsheng, et al. American Journal Clinical Nutrition (2006) 83:760–766
Complete article link : Fiber
Tips Of All Sorts is a site loaded with useful tips on health, family, home, garden, beauty and almost anything else possible! Subscribe to the info-packed TIPS Newsletter and go to the TIPS Blog for the latest tips.]
An elevated level of CRP in the blood, which is also called blood protein cardio-CRP, highly sensitive CRP or hs-CRP, is a significant risk factor for developing heart attack and diabetes in the future. CRP can be measured by a simple and inexpensive blood test.
An investigation team at the University of Massachusetts conducted a prospective and cross-sectional study of the relation of dietary fiber content and CRP concentrations in 524 middle-aged men and women who were overweight or obese. After adjustments for body mass index, smoking status, infections, and age, the data showed that almost 18% men and women with elevated CRP levels (above 3 milligrams per liter of blood) had a drop with increased fiber intake. Those who ate a high fiber intake were 63% less likely to have high CRP levels compared to those who were low on fiber.
Fiber is linked to maintaining healthy intestinal bacterial flora which promotes anti-inflammatory and antioxidative processes. The finding from this study supports the recommendation that adults take 20 to 35 grams of fiber per day, obtainable from fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains.
Dietary fiber is classified either as soluble fiber or insoluble fiber depending on the solubilty in water and other factors. Both soluble and insoluble fiber are beneficial.
Besides checking on CRP levels, it is also important not to overlook other risk factors such as blood pressure, blood sugar levels and family history of heart problems.
Reference : "Association between dietary fiber and serum C-reactive protein." Ma Yunsheng, et al. American Journal Clinical Nutrition (2006) 83:760–766
Complete article link : Fiber
Tips Of All Sorts is a site loaded with useful tips on health, family, home, garden, beauty and almost anything else possible! Subscribe to the info-packed TIPS Newsletter and go to the TIPS Blog for the latest tips.]
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