Eating more fiber-rich foods like fruit and whole grain cereal appears to lower the risk of heart disease, according to a study from the Harvard School of Public Health. The study involved more than 40,000 men as part of the ongoing Health Professionals Follow-up Study. Participants filled out a questionnaire listing, among other things, their consumption of fruits, vegetables, cereals, and other high-fiber foods. On average, Americans eat just 11 grams of fiber a day, despite the recommendation to eat 20 to 35 grams. Rimm's study showed that adding just 10 more grams to the diet each day cuts heart attack risk by 20 percent.
Experts suggest reading food labels to help identify the best sources.
For example, one slice of whole wheat bread has 4 grams of fiber. Fiber is not a magic cure-all, experts say, but research has shown that certain types can lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels. High-fiber foods are also filling, so you're less likely to overeat at meals. I think that fiber should be considered as part of what we consider a healthy lifestyle. That doesn't mean that you can not worry about being overweight and not worrying about smoking.