CARDIOLOGIST DR. ARTHUR AGATSTON ON FIBER

Cardiologist Dr. Arthur Agatston, author of The South Beach Diet, in case you aren't familiar with his name has said that fiber can lower your risk of heart disease by 40%!  He continues by saying fiber can also cut your risk of developing diabetes by nearly 30%.  While not giving percentages, Dr. Agatston says fiber can also significantly reduce blood pressure and LDL (bad) cholesterol.  After listing these benefits of fiber he also issues a warning; beware of "fiber additives" which some food companies use to make their products appear more wholesome and healthful.  He says these "fiber additives" are sometimes isolated from their natural sources and other are synthesized.  One way to detect these additives is their unnatural-sounding names, such as inulin, maltodextrin, and polydextrose among others.  Dr. Agatston is quoted as saying, "I doubt these additives impart the same advantages as naturally-fiber-rich foods.  As researchers are finding with other supplements, when a nutrient is removed from its natural food source (or when its beneficial properties are synthesized), healthful effects can diminish."

As I have stated repeatedly on this blog, read the nutritional and ingredients lists on packaging!  If buying a product for its fiber values, look for the words "whole-grain," "oats," "nuts," "seeds," etc.

 Whole Grains Are Excellent Sources of Fiber.