CARDIAC REHAB NUTRITION: CLASS 3 FIBER Concord Hospital Nutrition Services

Describe and identify the two forms of fiber Explain the importance of fiber in the diet- especially in regards to heart health Identify recommended fiber intake Total Daily and Soluble Fiber Recognize food sources of fiber Locate dietary fiber listing on food labels Objectives

What is Fiber?  Fiber is an essential nutrient that can be found in plants and grains  It is indigestible by the body therefor it provides substance to the foods we eat but does not contribute calorically  Two forms of fiber  Soluble  Insoluble

Why is Fiber Important?  Since fiber is indigestible it passes through the body and promotes regular digestion and bowel movements. In addition to aiding with digestion fiber also benefits the body by  Maintaining blood sugar levels  Lowering cholesterol  Reducing blood pressure  And encouraging a healthy weight by creating the feeling of fullness

Fiber and Heart Health  Fiber contributes directly to heart health by  Lowering LDL cholesterol levels As fiber, specifically soluble fiber, is processed through the body it removes LDL from the blood stream. 1 gram soluble fiber can attribute to a drop in 2.2 mg/dl of LDL levels in the blood. LDL is commonly referred to as the ‘bad cholesterol’

Fiber and Heart Health  Blood pressure is lowered by fiber intake which reduces the amount of stress that is placed on the heart  Studies have been able to correlate high dietary intake of fiber to reduced risk of developing cardiovascular health complications Reduction in coronary heart disease Lower rates of metabolic disease

Daily Recommended Intake  Fiber should be consumed each day  Males require:  30 grams per day for individuals 50+  Females require:  21 grams per day for individuals 50+  At least 5-10 grams of total fiber should come from a non-soluble fiber source

Finding Fiber  Incorporating more fiber into your diet can be as easy as eating more  Whole Grains  Beans  Nuts  Potatoes with the Skin  Fruit- especially berries  Vegetables

Finding Fiber

Fiber on Food Labels  Now that you can find fiber on the food label what do these values mean?  The grams is the total amount of fiber present in a serving of the food. Keeping track of this value can help you monitor your daily intake  The percentage is based on a 2,000 calorie diet and it signifies the percent of your daily fiber intake you are achieving with the food item