The article "Health Benefits of Dietary Fiber" by James W. Anderson et al. reviews the extensive research on the health benefits of dietary fiber. It highlights that dietary fiber intake is associated with a reduced risk of various diseases, including coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and certain gastrointestinal disorders. The authors note that average fiber intakes in the US are less than half of the recommended levels, which are 14 g/1000 kcal for both children and adults. Key findings include: 1. **Cardiovascular Health**: High dietary fiber intake is linked to a 29% lower risk of coronary heart disease and a 26% reduction in ischemic stroke prevalence. Soluble fibers like psyllium and oat β-glucan have significant hypocholesterolemic effects, reducing LDL-cholesterol by about 5.5%. 2. **Diabetes Prevention and Management**: Higher fiber intake is associated with a 29% reduction in the development of diabetes and a 62% reduction in the progression of prediabetes to diabetes. Fiber supplements can improve glycemic control and insulin sensitivity in both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. 3. **Obesity Management**: High dietary fiber intake is protective against obesity, with a 30% lower risk of weight gain or obesity. Fiber supplements can aid in weight loss, with studies showing modest but significant weight loss compared to placebos. 4. **Gastrointestinal Function**: Dietary fiber is beneficial for gastrointestinal health, reducing the prevalence of conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease, duodenal ulcers, diverticulitis, constipation, and hemorrhoids. Soluble fibers can improve satiety and reduce food intake. 5. **Immune System**: Prebiotic fibers like inulin and oligofructose promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the colon, enhancing immune function and potentially reducing the risk of infections. 6. **Childhood Health**: Dietary fiber is crucial for children, contributing to normal gastrointestinal function, preventing and treating childhood obesity, maintaining normal blood glucose and lipid levels, and reducing the risk of future chronic diseases. The article emphasizes the need for more effective communication and consumer education to increase fiber consumption from foods or supplements, as current intake levels are far below recommended standards.The article "Health Benefits of Dietary Fiber" by James W. Anderson et al. reviews the extensive research on the health benefits of dietary fiber. It highlights that dietary fiber intake is associated with a reduced risk of various diseases, including coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and certain gastrointestinal disorders. The authors note that average fiber intakes in the US are less than half of the recommended levels, which are 14 g/1000 kcal for both children and adults. Key findings include: 1. **Cardiovascular Health**: High dietary fiber intake is linked to a 29% lower risk of coronary heart disease and a 26% reduction in ischemic stroke prevalence. Soluble fibers like psyllium and oat β-glucan have significant hypocholesterolemic effects, reducing LDL-cholesterol by about 5.5%. 2. **Diabetes Prevention and Management**: Higher fiber intake is associated with a 29% reduction in the development of diabetes and a 62% reduction in the progression of prediabetes to diabetes. Fiber supplements can improve glycemic control and insulin sensitivity in both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. 3. **Obesity Management**: High dietary fiber intake is protective against obesity, with a 30% lower risk of weight gain or obesity. Fiber supplements can aid in weight loss, with studies showing modest but significant weight loss compared to placebos. 4. **Gastrointestinal Function**: Dietary fiber is beneficial for gastrointestinal health, reducing the prevalence of conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease, duodenal ulcers, diverticulitis, constipation, and hemorrhoids. Soluble fibers can improve satiety and reduce food intake. 5. **Immune System**: Prebiotic fibers like inulin and oligofructose promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the colon, enhancing immune function and potentially reducing the risk of infections. 6. **Childhood Health**: Dietary fiber is crucial for children, contributing to normal gastrointestinal function, preventing and treating childhood obesity, maintaining normal blood glucose and lipid levels, and reducing the risk of future chronic diseases. The article emphasizes the need for more effective communication and consumer education to increase fiber consumption from foods or supplements, as current intake levels are far below recommended standards.