She says it keeps her in shape, especially when she's competing in marathons. I think my diet has made a big difference in my health over the last few years. Experts have linked fiber to all kinds of health benefits including lower rates of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol. Researchers found men and women who ate a high fiber diet, on average, weighed eight pounds less than those who ate a low fiber diet, regardless of how much fat they ate. In our study, fat didn't appear to matter in influencing body weight gain over time.
Researchers say fiber works by keeping insulin levels low, which in turn reduces the appetite.
Problem is most of us don't eat enough fiber each day. Most Americans get 10 to 15 grams of fiber per day but you really need 20 to 25. Dietician Christine Perry Smith says upping your fiber intake can be simple if you know how to shop. Skip the cookies. Walk past the chips.