Dietary fiber and health: Cardiovascular disease and beyond

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Dietary fiber, mainly derived from fruit, vegetables, and grains, is nondigestible carbohydrates and lignin that are intrinsic and intact in plants. Since dietary fiber was hypothesized to have beneficial effects on several western diseases, numerous studies found that high dietary fiber intake was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, type-2 diabetes, and colorectal cancer. These findings were supported by plausible mechanisms based on physiologic effects of dietary fiber on blood lipids, blood pressure, glucose and insulin metabolism, satiety, and inflammation. Epidemiologic studies have significantly contributed to the recognition of dietary fiber as an essential constituent of a healthy diet. Recently, emerging evidence suggested that dietary fiber intake was related to a lower risk of a broad range of diseases, including inflammatory, respiratory, and renal diseases, and several cancers. This chapter reviews the existing and emerging epidemiologic evidence on the benefits of dietary fiber on health.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationFruits, Vegetables, and Herbs
Subtitle of host publicationBioactive Foods in Health Promotion
PublisherElsevier Inc.
Pages423-449
Number of pages27
ISBN (Electronic)9780128029893
ISBN (Print)9780128029725
DOIs
StatePublished - May 16 2016

Keywords

  • Cancer
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Diabetes
  • Dietary fiber
  • Epidemiology
  • Respiratory disease

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