Dietary Fiber Reduces Risks of Diabetes and CVD

Filed in archive Studies , Treatment on April 12, 2006

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein associated with inflammation, diabetes and heart disease. This protein is produced in the liver.

According to experts there is more reason to increase fiber in the diet because it significantly lowers the CRP levels.

"The likelihood of elevated CRP concentrations was 63 per cent lower in participants in the highest quartile of total fibre intake than in participants in the lowest quartile," reported lead author Yunsheng Ma from the University of Massachusetts.

Insoluble fibre intake was associated with a 68 per cent reduction in CRP levels, while soluble fibre was linked to a 42 per cent reduction.

The mechanism isn't clear yet but fiber has been known to reduce the oxidation of fats, which is linked to oxidative stress and increased levels of inflammation. In addition, soluble fiber acts as prebiotics by boosting conditions for bacteria in the intestinal tract, improving gut health, and subsequently preventing inflammation.

Source: Nutra Ingredients