| 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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