Sunday, November 22, 2009

Natural Fiber supplement makes taking fiber easier.

A new 100% natural fiber supplement that can be mixed with soft foods and non-carbonated beverages and can even be used for cooking - without altering the taste of consistency of foods - is now available in the Philippines.

A product of research-based Swiss healthcare company Novartis, Benefiber powder contains 1))% natural soluble fiber (wheat dextrin) which can help promote a healthy digestive system.

It is sugar-free, grit-free, does not thicken in food or liquid unlike some bulk fiber supplements. It dissolves quickly and completely in non-carbonated beverages and soft foods. In fact, when mixed with a glass of water, it is undetectable.

Fiber: Essential part of a healthy diet

"Dietary fiver is an essential part of a healthy fiber and has many health benefits'" said Dr. Rosario Acosta, a private clinical nutrition specialist.

A high-fiber diet:

Soluble fiver lowers "bad cholesterol" reducing risk for cardiovascular disease;

Helps regulate blood sugar level retarding development of type 2 diabetes milletus;

Regulates appetite because it slows down transit time in the gut prolonging the feeling of satiety;

Helps prevent constipation and in loose bowel movement, helps add bulk to the stool and lowers risk of digestive conditions such as hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome and diverticular disease (development of small pouches in the colon) - although this is a characteristic more attributable to insoluble fiber.

"A high-fiber diet is indispensable to fitness and health. I encourage all Filipinos to make fiber-rich foods a regular part of their daily meals," said Cynthia Carrion, Department of Tourism (DOT) undersecretary for sports, tourism and wellness.

A health and fitness advocate, Carrion is a recipient of the personal Trainer of the Year award given at the 25th IDEA World Fitness Convention held last Aug. 12-16 in Anaheim, California.

Braking down dietary fiber

Dietary fiber refers to the edible parts of plants or carbohydrates that can't be digested. Fiber is in plant foods. including fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds and legumes. A form of fiber called chitin is present in the shells of crustaceans such as crabs, lobsters and shrimps.

There are two main forms of dietary fiber. Soluble fiber slows digestion and helps the small intestines absorb nitrated from food. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to stool, helping it pass more quickly through the large intestines.

Most plant foods contain some of each kind of fiber. Foods containing high levels of soluble fiber include dried beans, oats, oat bran, rice bran, barley, citrus fruits, apples, strawberries, peas and potatoes.

Foods high in insoluble fiber include wheat bran, whole grains, cereals, seeds and the skin of many fruits and vegetables.

Taking fiber made easier

"Benefiber is a healthy lifestyle choice and a natural way to integrate more fiber into people's daily diet. With its 100% natural formulation, Benefiber will definitely make taking fiber easier," said Joseph O'Neill, commercial director of Novartis Consumer Health OTC Business Unit for the Philippines and Singapore.

Celebrity chef and Bistro Filipino owner Rolando Laudico welcomed the flexibility of Benefiber to be cooked and mixed into practically hot or cold soft foods or liquids.

Benefiber Powder can be mixed with any hot or cold beverages such as water, coffee, or juice. It can be added to soft foods such as sauces, dips, pudding or yogurt or cooked with muffins, soups, main dishes, and desserts, among others. Each serving of Benefiber Powder provides three grams of dietary fiber.

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