Sixth Grade
Worksheets
Fiber
The word "fiber" doesn't necessarily bring an enjoyable image to mind, but maybe it should. Fiber is important to people of all ages from children to the very old. The image of grainy, hard cereal doesn't have to be the only symbol, because lots of delicious foods contain fiber.
Fiber is found in plants. It is found in fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes. Some nutritionists refer to two different kinds. Soluble fiber dissolves partly in water and helps lower cholesterol. Insoluble fiber can't dissolve in water and can't be digested, but it helps prevent constipation. Both kinds are essential in a person's diet.
Foods that are high in fiber are filling, but the fiber doesn't add calories. Therefore, these foods help people not to overeat. That helps people control their weight. Along with fluids, foods that are high in fiber help move items through the digestive system. Foods which are high in fiber protect against cancers of the gut. Foods that are high in fiber discourage constipation. They also lower the "bad" or LDL cholesterol. They help prevent heart disease. They help prevent diabetes, because they slow down sugar absorption and regulate insulin response. Fiber is quite beneficial.
