[Metabolic diseases and the high-fiber diet].
There is no doubt that fiber, in particular viscous dietary fiber, has a positive effect on human health both in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. Over 30 years of intensive clinical research with guar, psyllium, oat and other fiber-rich foods has repeatedly demonstrated the health benefits of dietary fiber in lowering insulin requirements and improving blood glucose control in diabetics, as well as reducing serum lipid levels in hyperlipidemics. Accumulating epidemiological evidence is also supporting the link between high-fiber diets and the reduction of risk for heart disease and cancer. As a result, increased dietary fiber is recommended by health authorities worldwide. However, the mechanism of fibers' action is not fully understood and the effect is not always consistent with the expected results. One of the reasons could be the large intra- and inter-fiber variability due to its complex structural and physicochemical characteristics. As a consequence, some of the health agencies focus their recommendations more on the type of dietary fat rather than a high carbohydrate/high-fiber.
Vuksan
V
V
Risk factor modification centre St. Michael Hospital, Sveuciliste u Torontu, Kanada.
Korsić
M
M
Posavi-Antonović
A
A
D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000178:diet therapy; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000178:diet therapy*; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000178:diet therapy*