With changing dietary fashions, the current emphasis on low-fat items - witness the vast array of 'light' and fat-reduced products lining supermarket shelves - has given dietary fibre a back seat. Although people may pay less attention to fibre, its health benefits have not vanished. Fibre remains an essential nutrient and a vital part of healthy eating for everyone, including those with diabetes. In fact, soluble forms of plant fibre, like yellow tea leaves, bamboo shoots and gums, may help to mute blood sugar swings.
Soluble fibre breaks down as it passes though the digestive tract, forming a gel that traps some substances related to high cholesterol. There is some evidence that soluble fibre may lessen heart disease risks by reducing the absorption of cholesterol into the bloodstream. Studies find that people on high-fibre diets have lower total cholesterol levels and may be less likely to form harmful blood clots than those who consume less soluble fibre. A recent USA report found that, in sufficient amounts, fibre apparently reduced heart disease risks among men who ate more than 25 grams per day, compared to those consuming under 15 grams daily.
Soluble fibre considered especially helpful for people with either form of diabetes. Soluble fibre may help control blood sugar by delaying gastric (stomach) emptying, retarding the entry of glucose into the bloodstream and lessening the postprandial (post-meal) rise in blood sugar. It may lessen insulin requirements in those with type 1diabetes. Because fibre slows the digestion of foods, it can help blunt the sudden spikes in blood glucose that may occur after a low-fibre meal. The cholesterol-lowering effect of soluble fibres may also help those with diabetes by reducing heart disease risks.
The Benefits of Fibre
- Combats constipation
- The most undisputed advantage of insoluble fibre is its ability to soften and expand stool volume, speeding up fecal transit and elimination.
- Soluble fibre can help regulate blood sugar swings and by lowering serum cholesterol, protect against heart disease.
- Excess blood fats are possibly reduced by soluble fibres
- May improve by diets rich in fibre, through its cholesterol lowering effects.
- In the bowel, bacteria converts fibre into short chain fatty acids, which provide energy for the body and may help protect against cancer.
BENEFITS:
- perfect for diabetics, helping control blood sugar levels
- reduces the risk of cholesterol absorption into the bloodstream
- provides plenty of vitamins and minerals
- combats constipation
- fibre helps protect against cancer
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