A diet rich in whole grains may help protect body against many chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers, and it can be an effective tool for managing body weight.
Whole grain also appear to increase insulin activity and reduce risk for developing diabetes. It is also a protective nutrient that may reduce the risk of colon cancer.
In general there is understanding that soluble dietary fiber increases viscosity of gastric content, reducing the rate of absorption of nutrients. This may improve glycemic response and consequently reduce insulin demand and improve the blood lipid profile.
Fiber content is determined by different analysis and includes crude fiber (CF) and total dietary fiber (TDF).
These two measurements are not correlated. Crude fiber is composed of cellulose and the non-carbohydrate lignin. TDF includes cellulose and lignin, plus hemicellulose, pectic substances, gums and mucilages.
Body need between 25 and 50 grams a day of fiber according to the height. Children need fiber too and should be eating grains in the wholegrain form and plenty of fruits and vegetables, from the time they are weaned.
Fiber in cereals grains
