Fiber, Role in Diet

Fiber is a constituent of food that benefits human health but has little or no caloric value. The many health implications of fiber make it the target of government policy and food technologies by industry. Dietary fiber is found naturally in whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Industrially derived additive and functional fiber is also found in processed foods. Fiber-rich diets are associated with lower risk for food-related chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes mellitus (DM), and cancer. Controversies regarding fiber include industry use in health and nutrient claims, globalization and decreasing fiber in the food supply, [Page 494]and calculating calories in fiber. This entry addresses fiber in food, the role of fiber in diet and health, government ...