Roman's Rant : Health Issues

How Important Is Dietary Fiber?

According to an article in the Kingsman Regional Medical Center Journal, reports have indicated a strong correlation between obesity prevalence and the amount of fiber consumption. The data suggests that countries with the highest fiber consumption consistently had the lowest obesity rates. Obesity is considered to be more common in Western Countries because fiber consumption is so low.

 

Lacking the amount of recommended fiber can hinder proper digestion and can also contribute to weight gain. Deficient fiber levels have been linked to obesity and inhibit nutrient absorption in the body. Generally foods that are high in fiber are also low fat. Conversely, foods that contain low fiber content are generally calorie dense. Foods that are rich in fiber have been found to lower blood serum insulin levels which can promote a feeling of fullness for longer periods of time which can aid in weight control.

Studies regarding children and fiber intake have yielded similar results. High fiber diets aid in the prevention of childhood obesity and improved general health. These studies indicated that children that ate a high fiber breakfast had a lower BMI (body mass index) and lower cholesterol levels. In addition to being low calorie, high fiber foods are also generally contain less saturated and trans fats than foods with a low fiber content.
Fiber consumption by adults and children (specifically plant based fiber sources) has been an effective and proven treatment for obesity. Fiber facilitates healthy weight loss by boosting metabolism and creating a feeling of fullness for a longer period of time. A high fiber diet can decrease the amount of food consumed while simultaneously increasing the body’s ability to metabolize and burn off the fat before it begins to accumulate in the body

 

An elevated body metabolism can also provide the body with more energy which can also increase the prevalence of physical activity and exercise. Fiber, particularly plant based fiber, is an imperative part of a healthy diet. In addition to facilitating weight loss and increased metabolic levels, fiber is also an important component of proper digestion to keep the body healthy. Foods that are low fat and low calorie are also an important part of a healthy diet. Foods like POPCAKE pancakes that are low calorie and 97% fat free can be incorporated into a diet that promotes a healthy and fit lifestyle.

Dietary Fiber: A History of Prebiotics

Health Issues: Nutrition and Obesity

An article published in the New York Times entitled “Child Obesity Risks Death at Early Age” described a study that tracked children through their lifetimes into adulthood. Results from the study indicated that those children who were most overweight were more than twice as likely to die before the age of 55 as their counterparts of a normal weight due to illness or by their own hand. In the study, obesity was reported to be the primary factor in premature death.

Those in the study who were diagnosed with a condition known as pre-diabetes as well as high blood pressure also elevated the likelihood of premature death. It should be noted that obesity also elevates the occurrence of diabetes and diabetes related diseases as well as high blood pressure.  Of the 4,857 children in the study who were born between the years 1945-1984- 559 were dead by 2003. Of this number 166 died from other causes not related to weight.

Adults with the highest BMI (Body Mass Index) as children were 2.3 times more likely to die prematurely than those with BMI’s in the normal range. Those in the study with the highest glucose levels were 73% more likely to die at an earlier age than their counterparts with lower glucose levels.  Helen Locker; senior author of the research paper states: “This suggests that obesity in children…may have very serious long term health effects through midlife- that there is something very serious being set in motion by obesity at early ages.”

As studies have continuously shown us, overweight and obesity cause detrimental effects on health and quality of life. As this study indicates not only is the quality of life compromised by an unhealthy body weight, but the life span its self is shortened. Obese and overweight children run the risk of a life marred by medical problems with the increased possibility of dying from excess weight before they reach retirement age.  This is an issue that is entirely preventable with a healthy balanced diet and regular physical activity.  A lifestyle that encompasses these types of health habits not only increases longevity, it also provides an improved quality of life. Incorporating foods like Popcake that are low fat diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains coupled with regular exercise promotes a long, healthy life.

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