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April 12, 2006

Fiber - It'll Keep you regular ...

... and lower the risk of the onset of diabetes by improving the body's use of the blood-sugar-regulating hormone insulin. However, the type of fiber is apparently important. There are two main types of fiber -- soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber dissolves in water to form a gel-like material, and it's believed to lower cholesterol and blood sugar. Foods like oatmeal and beans, as well as apples, berries and certain other fruits are high in soluble fiber. Although scientists have not been able to explain why, intake of insoluble fiber is correlated to an improvement in insulin sensitivity.

The study investigator, Dr. Martin Weickert, a researcher at the German Institute of Human Nutrition in Nuthetal, noted that it is best to get fiber from its natural sources, namely plant-based foods. But since most people fall far short of the recommended fiber intake -- 20 to 35 grams per day -- fiber supplements might be a reasonable "second choice," he added

Posted by Diabetologica at April 12, 2006 12:18 PM