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Thursday, January 16, 2014

THE BENEFITS OF FIBERS

THE BENEFITS OF FIBERS:  FROM SUNRISE SENIOR LIVING (JANUARY 2014)

 
 
 
Fiber is a crucial element of any diet, especially for seniors, since they tend to suffer from conditions like constipation, diabetes, heart disease and obesity.  Fiber, which comes from oats, peas, beans, apples, citrus and carrots, as well as nuts, veggies and potatoes, can help you feel and look better.  Here's how:
 
 
BETTER FOR YOUR BELLY
Fiber's best known benefit is for the bowels.  According to the Mayo Clinic, fiber normalizes bowel movements and helps maintain health in these organs.  It may reduce the risk of hemorrhoids and diseases of the colon.
 
 
 
 
 
 
HEART-HEALTHY
Soluble fiber, the kind found in beans flaxseed and oats -- can help lower your cholesterol by controlling the "bad" LDL cholesterol levels in the blood.
 
 

 
 
NOT SO SUGARY
High-fiber foods also help control blood sugar levels in people who have diabetes because of the way they slow the absorption of sugar.  This effect on blood sugar can also reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the first place.
 
 
 
 
WEIGHT LOSS
High-fiber foods are packed with other nutrients, which in turn make you feel fuller longer, and you're likely to eat less throughout the day.
 
 




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