Example Of The Health Benefits Of Fiber Article Review

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Article: Health benefits and practical aspects of high-fiber diets

Source: The American journal of clinical nutrition.
Diseases mentioned in the article
High blood pressure, serum cholesterol concentrations, cardiovascular disease, problem of high blood pressure, overweight and obesity, glycemic levels and diabetes, certain forms of cancer, hyperlipidemia, and gastrointestinal disorders (Anderson, Smith & Gustafson, 1994).

Types of fibers and foods mentioned in the article

The article focuses on the health advantages and characteristics of high-fiber diets. The article has described the dietary fiber through categorizing it into two types: Water soluble and water insoluble. The soluble fiber includes oat products, dried beans, fruits, and vegetables. Plant-based foods are rich in insoluble fibers. Wheat bran is the best example that contains the concentrated form of insoluble fibers. According to the article, the targeted population should double their dietary fiber intake. The article suggests the abundance of fruits and vegetables in the diet as well as legumes and whole grain. A diet that has less fat and high fibers, full of grains and legumes is appropriate for people of all ages (Anderson, Smith & Gustafson, 1994).

Targeted population group mentioned in the article

The article targets the population of America, and the provided guidelines are specified for the American population. The research is mainly based on the clinical analysis conducted on the American diets that exhibited the efficacy of the soluble fiber of oat on reducing the serum cholesterol level and other diseases (Anderson, Smith & Gustafson, 1994).

Findings related to fiber and disease prevention

According to the article, the fiber is an indigestible component of plant cell wall which has significant impacts on human health. It has the capability of reducing serum lipids, cardiovascular risks, and coronary heart diseases. Fiber has been effective in controlling high blood pressure, obesity, weight, and diabetes. Dietary fiber is valuable for gastrointestinal tract functioning and maintains its regularity. Soluble fibers rich food improves satiety and gives a feel of being full thus, delaying the gastric emptying. While insoluble fiber rich foods lessen the transit time resulting in more fecal weight (Anderson, Smith & Gustafson, 1994).

 Supporting evidence on disease prevention

This article has cited the strong statements of National Academy of Science on fibers efficiency and also provided the recommendations of The National Cholesterol Education Program for treating hypercholesterolemia. The article revealed that a fibrous diet results in improvement of serum lipid with sustainable results of 26% decline in serum cholesterol while 24% decline in LDL-cholesterol in 24 weeks. Fiber consumption is considered to have an inverse relationship with cancer mortality. The article described a research conducted in Netherland that exposed a striking data of cancer associated deaths and fiber intake. Another strong evidence of fiber effects is seen in the case of Diabetes and association with low fiber intake. The article reviewed 53 studies and concluded that 67% studies supported fiber supplements for controlling glycemic index and reducing serum cholesterol in diabetic patients. Twenty-two percent exhibited biased response, and remaining did not focus on this segment. Only 4% reported worsening effects of fiber on glycemic control (Anderson, Smith & Gustafson, 1994).

Findings on disease prevention with less evidence

In this article, the findings of dietary fiber intake and obesity are not well supported by indications. Though the fiber has been presented as the potent adjunct for weight management and treatment for obesity, but the current evidences are not strong enough to prove them practical. This association has been more theoretical because clinical studies have not documented the fiber benefits as a weight-reducing diet. These impacts might have very small, but require more case-oriented studies. The presence of biased data on the impact of fiber in weight reduction makes these findings uncertain (Anderson, Smith & Gustafson, 1994).

Changes required in my diet for high fiber.

The article suggested very inspiring knowledge of the advantages of fiber rich diet. For changing the diet and increasing the fiber content in my diet, the inclusion of fruits and vegetables would be the first choice. The intake of oat brans, whole grains, peas, and legumes can also be added alternatively to the diet plan (Anderson, Smith & Gustafson, 1994).

Reference

Anderson, J. W., Smith, B. M., & Gustafson, N. J. (1994). Health benefits and practical aspects
of high-fiber diets. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 59(5), 1242S-1247S.