Too few Americans consume adequate amounts of fiber. Yet, not only is it easy to take steps to reach your dietary fiber intake goal, but it is also vital to good health. Coronary heart disease is the cause of death for thousands of Americans each year. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute found a direct relationship between blood cholesterol concentrations and premature coronary heart disease. Dietary fiber, particularly soluble fiber, appears to lower blood cholesterol concentrations and may help to reduce the risk of premature coronary heart disease.
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer.
Dr. Potter suggested that a number of technical issues concerning this study need to be resolved, including the translation of dietary data collected in the test group's questionnaires, biological questions about fiber itself, and questions intrinsic to epidemiologic studies. More research will undoubtedly be performed to determine what effect dietary fiber has on colon cancer. Nevertheless, the overall health benefits of dietary fiber are not controversial, and dietary fiber remains an important part of the diet. Gordon and Potter both agree that while one study alone will not prove a positive effect of dietary fiber on any human disease, no one study deserves to be the final word in dismissing the importance of dietary fiber for any disease. Another disease that can be partially controlled by consuming soluble dietary fiber is non-insulin dependent diabetes.