The likelihood of developing heart disease is indeed lower with a diet high in fibre, especially water-soluble fibre, according to a new study. The findings are based on data from nearly 10,000 subjects participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey I Epidemiologic Follow-up study.
The study participants were followed for an average of 19 years. During that time, over 1800 cases of coronary heart disease occurred, as well as nearly 3800 cases of other vascular diseases. Researchers from Tulane University in New Orleans, estimate that individuals with the highest amount of fibre in their diet had a 12% lower risk of heart disease than those with the lowest intake of fibre
The reduction in risk of other vascular diseases with high fibre consumption was 11%.
Protection against heart disease was even stronger for high levels of soluble fibre consumption, with a reduction in risk of 15%. The results support the existing recommendations to increase dietary fibre intake from foods to approximately 25 to 30 grams per day.
Foods rich in soluble fibre include oatmeal, oat bran, Kellogg�s All Bran Buds breakfast cereal, and cooked beans (kidney beans, chickpeas, navy beans, black beans, etc.) and lentils.
The study participants were followed for an average of 19 years. During that time, over 1800 cases of coronary heart disease occurred, as well as nearly 3800 cases of other vascular diseases. Researchers from Tulane University in New Orleans, estimate that individuals with the highest amount of fibre in their diet had a 12% lower risk of heart disease than those with the lowest intake of fibre
The reduction in risk of other vascular diseases with high fibre consumption was 11%.
Protection against heart disease was even stronger for high levels of soluble fibre consumption, with a reduction in risk of 15%. The results support the existing recommendations to increase dietary fibre intake from foods to approximately 25 to 30 grams per day.
Foods rich in soluble fibre include oatmeal, oat bran, Kellogg�s All Bran Buds breakfast cereal, and cooked beans (kidney beans, chickpeas, navy beans, black beans, etc.) and lentils.
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