We love carbs
Fibre as a natural part of our diet, improves our fat and sugar metabolism, blood vessel function, helps control blood pressure and facilitates weight loss. Our bodies evolved on fibre-rich foods and we need plenty to be healthy. A recent study looked at the diet of people who had suffered a heart attack in order to assess how changes in their diet post-heart attack might influence their health and survival chances. Those who changed their diet and increased their fibre intake post heart attack had significantly higher chances of survival. In particular, greater intake of fibre from wholegrains was found to be very beneficial. Increasing fibre consumption was also strongly associated with lower mortality from all causes, as well as cardiovascular disease.
Li S et al., 2014. Dietary fiber intake and mortality among survivors of myocardial infarction: prospective cohort study. BMJ. 348: g2659.
About the author
Dr. Justine Butler
Justine joined Viva! in 2005 after graduating from Bristol University with a PhD in molecular biology. After working as a campaigner, then researcher and writer, she is now Viva!’s head of research and her work focuses on animals, the environment and health. Justine’s scientific training helps her research and write both in-depth scientific reports, such as White Lies and the Meat Report, as well as easy-to-read factsheets and myth-busting articles for consumer magazines and updates on the latest research. Justine also recently wrote the Vegan for the Planet guide for Viva!’s Vegan Now campaign.
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