FIBER/APPENDICITIS IN CHILDREN
A study of almost 350 children revealed that as fiber intake increased, the risk of appendicitis decreased. Children whose intake of whole-grain foods was in the upper fiftieth percentile showed a 50 per cent lower risk of appendicitis. (American Journal of Public Health 75:399-400, 1985) In countries of the world where a natural diet is taken without refined grains and sugars, appendicitis is an unknown disease. Copyright Phylis Austin

DIETARY FIBER/BLOOD PRESSURE
High-fiber diets have been shown to be effective in lowering blood pressure. A group of patients with high blood pressure were given 7 grams of additional fiber per day over a three-month period. They showed reductions in both diastolic and systolic blood pressure levels, and lower cholesterol levels. (The Lancet 2:622-623, September 12, 1987) Copyright Phylis Austin

FIBER INTAKE/HEART DISEASE
A California study suggests that a high intake of dietary fiber may protect against ischemic heart disease. The chief sources of fiber in the U.S. diet are vegetables, fruits, and cereals. Earlier studies have shown that fiber reduces cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes, all of which are risk factors for heart disease. (American Journal of Epidemiology 126:1093-1102, 1987) Copyright Phylis Austin

FIBER/BREAST CANCER
A diet high in fiber and low in fats may decrease the risk of breast cancer. Laboratory rats given high-fiber diets developed fewer breast tumors than similar animals given little or no fiber. The researchers observed that doubling the amount of fiber in the typical Western diet would significantly reduce breast tumors in the laboratory animals. (Journal of the National Cancer Institute 83:496-501, 1991) Copyright Phylis Austin

FRUIT FIBER/HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
The fiber found naturally in fruit may help in the prevention of high blood pressure. A study at Harvard revealed that men who ate an ounce of fiber per day in the form of fruits and vegetables were less likely to develop high blood pressure (Medical Tribune 33(22)1, November 26, 1992) Copyright Phylis Austin

HIGH FIBER DIETS/BREAST CANCER
A high-fiber diet may protect from the development of breast cancer according to a recent study from Australia. The use of whole grain breads, bran-based breakfast cereals, peas, beans and soybeans, dried fruits and nuts are all good sources of dietary fiber. (International Journal of Cancer 56:173-176, 1994) Copyright Phylis Austin

FIBER/HEART DISEASE
High levels of fiber intake from cereals, fruits and vegetables decrease the risk of coronary heart disease in men. Cereal fiber seemed to be the most effective. (Journal of the American Medical Association 275(6)447-451, February 14, 1996; Physician and Sportsmedicine 24(4)18-19, April 1996) Copyright Phylis Austin

FIBER/HEART ATTACKS
A high-fiber diet may reduce the risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack) according to a recent study of over 21,000 men. The consumption of each additional 10 grams of fiber per day reduced the risk of death from heart attack by 17 percent.
The researchers speculate that fiber may function as an anticoagulant.
The American Heart Association recommends the consumption of 25 to 30 grams of fiber per day, but the typical United States male consumes about 17 grams per day. (Circulation 94:2720-2727, 1996) Copyright Phylis Austin

FIBER INTAKE/BREAST CANCER
A combination of soluble and insoluble fiber intake may be more effective in reducing the risk of breast cancer than the use of just one type of fiber. A wide variety of high fiber foods will provide both types of fiber. (Journal of the National Cancer Institute 88(13)899- 907, July 3, 1996) Soluble fiber is digested; insoluble fiber passes through the body without being digested. Copyright Phylis Austin