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| bran |
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What is it? |
| The fiber-rich husk of seeds and grains. For a while, oat bran was touted as a miracle food, a sort of Roto-Rooter that could cleanse veins of CHOLESTEROL. Predictably, food manufacturers rushed to pump their breads and cereals full of oat bran. In truth, oat bran is no more effective at lowering cholesterol than several other brans — or, for that matter, other high-fiber foods. And the results are not as miraculous as claimed. Fiber is, however, definitely beneficial because it keeps the gastrointestinal tract in good working order (it also contains no calories). Some researchers believe insoluble fiber (the kind in wheat bran and many vegetables) may reduce the risk of colon cancer. Certainly, eating high-fiber foods helps dieters, if for no other reason than that they feel full. On the downside, too much fiber can cause diarrhea and, for some, more serious digestive problems. Fiber also blocks the body's ability to absorb CALCIUM, a fact those bulking up on fiber should note. |
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