The two types of fiber have different benefits, although they share some similarities such as low calories and partial digestibility in the stomach and intestines. Soluble fiber helps to lower blood cholesterol levels by attaching itself to the cholesterol for excretal out of the body. This …show more content…
The commonest vitamins include vitamins A, B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folic acid), and B12 (cobalamin). Also included are C (ascorbic acid), D, E, and K. The B and C vitamins are water-soluble, and excess is eliminated from the body through urine. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat soluble and are stored in the body fat.
Minerals are essential to our lives because they are the foundations of muscles, bones, and tissues. Minerals also form part of many life-supporting systems such as the enzyme system, hormones, and oxygen transport.
Minerals can be classified into two: Macro (major) nutrients and micro (trace) minerals. Major minerals are those needed by the body in large amounts, and they include calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and sulfur. Major minerals are used by the body to form blood, muscles, bones, nerve cells, and teeth. They are also essential electrolytes which helps the body regulate acid-base balance and blood …show more content…
• Obesity: Dietary fiber makes the stomach filled faster.
• Hemorrhoids: Dietary fiber increases the bulk of the stool and makes it softer, thereby decreasing the painful symptoms of hemorrhoids.
• Cancer: Diet rich in insoluble fiber enhances the movement of food in the digestive tract thereby reducing the buildup of harmful substances in the colon. The faster the movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract, the less time for carcinogenic substances to take effect. Fiber is also thought to help prevent breast cancer because it reduces the absorption of fat in the digestive system.
A low-fat diet also enhances good health and prevents many diseases such as:
• Breast Cancer: A high-fat diet is linked to a higher risk of breast cancer.
• Coronary artery disease: Heavy intake of saturated fats is linked to coronary artery diseases.
• Obesity: A diet high in fat often results in an excessive buildup of calories and fat in the body, leading to obesity.
• Diabetes: Overweight people usually develop or worsen diabetic conditions because of the increased insulin