Massage therapists who practice self-care know that keeping themselves healthy could translate into longevity, in terms of both life and career.

A new review of research shows eating lots of dietary fiber improves health in various ways.

Investigators looked at research conducted into dietary fiber during the last few decades across the globe.

“Consuming adequate quantities of [dietary fiber] can lead to improvements in gastrointestinal health, and reduction in susceptibility to diseases such as diverticular disease, heart disease, colon cancer, and diabetes,” the researchers noted. “Increased consumption has also been associated with increased satiety and weight loss.”

There are two forms soluble and insoluble. Soluble (prebiotic, viscous) fiber that is readily broken down or fermented in the colon into physiologically active byproducts and gases. The second form is insoluble fiber, which is metabolically inert, but absorbs water as it passes through the digestive system, providing bulk for the intestinal muscles to work against and easing defecation.

The study ran in the International Journal of Food Safety, Nutrition and Public Health.

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