This category includes pectin, cellulose, hemicellulose and gums. Fiber is found only in plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grains. Eggs, dairy products, and meats do not contain any form of fiber. Studies found that cultures that have a high fiber diet have a much lower incidence of diverticulosis, which affects 30 million Americans. A weakening in the large intestinal wall caused by the pressure from hard feces produces this disease.
Fiber cleans out mucus from the intestinal tract and lowers cholesterol.
Fiber decreases the transit time through the intestine. Cancer of the colon can be attributed to a lack of dietary fiber. Animal products do not have any fiber so their passage through the intestine is slow. The proteins ferment and allow harmful bacteria to multiply within the colon. The harmful bacteria secrete carcinogenic waste as a by-product that damages the intestine.