Fiber up

Nutrition Action Healthletter, Nov, 2005

Whole-grain fiber may slow artery clogging, according to a study of more than 200 postmenepausal women with heart disease.

Angiograms showed slower artery clogging over three years in women who consumed more than six servings of whole grains per week or in women who got at least three grams of fiber from whole grains for every 1,000 calories they consumed each day. Fiber from fruits and vegetables wasn't linked to changes in artery clogging.

What to do: This kind of study can't prove that whole grains slow down artery clogging, but it's one more reason to switch to whole-grain breads. cereals, crackers, rice, pasta, cookies, etc.

American Heart Journal 150: 94, 2005.