Role of Fiber in Heart Disease

In a study Boston researchers suggest yet another reason for eating plenty of fiber—it may lower the risk of having a heart attack.

Several smaller studies have shown a similar connection. Unfortunately, this larger study still doesn't settle the crucial question of whether fiber itself confers some protection against heart attacks.

The type of fiber also appeared to play a role. There are two kinds of fiber: Soluble fiber comes from plant gums and saps that can dissolve in the intestine's fluids, while insoluble fiber comes from the indigestible walls of plant cells. According to this study, insoluble fiber was more important than soluble fiber, and insoluble fiber from grains or breakfast cereal was more important than fiber from fruits and vegetables.

What can fiber do for me, and how much do I need to eat? That is a big question !

We know that fiber reduces the risk of developing colon and rectal cancer. We also know that soluble fiber can lower cholesterol levels. To what extent the amount of fiber needs to be added to the diet is not clear yet. Moreover the unconfortable effects of increased amount of fiber in diet has also to be taken into consideration.

With the present kowledge it can be concluded that men or women who smoked less, exercised more, and ate less saturated fat and cholesterol, as well as more fiber can to some extent help in reducing the heart attack risk.

The American Health Foundation promotes a 25/25 diet—no more than 25 percent of calories from fat and at least 25 grams of fiber a day. Getting that much fiber each day isn't particularly difficult. But after ramping up fiber intake, many people have abdominal bloating, cramping, loose stools, and flatulence.

It's certainly wise to include high-fiber foods in your regular diet, but the evidence just isn't there that going overboard with fiber is worth the potential abdominal discomfort