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Data from a large European study provides more strong evidence of the importance of dietary fiber in cardiovascular health. But the benefits can differ between men and women.

Why You Need Fiber

Fiber is one of the most important and beneficial nutrients in the human diet. High fiber intake is associated with a wide range of health benefits, including lowering the risk of heart disease, metabolic syndrome (a key risk factor for heart disease, diabetes, and other diseases), and certain cancers; keeping blood sugar levels balanced; and curbing appetites and overeating.

Yet, despite the fact that fiber is good for you and easily attainable (it’s present in all plant-based foods to some degree), most people don’t consume enough of it.

What is Fiber

Fiber is classified as either soluble (meaning that it partially dissolves in water) and insoluble (meaning that it does not dissolve in water and passes through the digestive tract). Both types are needed for good health.

Soluble fiber can be found in legumes, grains, nuts, seeds, and berries.

Insoluble fiber (also known as “roughage”) can be found in whole grains, nuts, seeds; green, leafy vegetables, and other fruits and vegetables.

Study Findings

The Malmö Diet and Cancer Cohort is a large study that tracked the eating habits of more than 20,000 residents of the city of Malmö, the third largest city in Sweden over a period of 13.5 years. Researchers analyzed the effects of 13-different macronutrients (including fiber, carbohydrates, sugars, fats, and protein) on the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD; heart disease and stroke).

The study showed that all of the nutrients studied affected a person’s risk of CVD to some degree. However, the association between dietary fiber and the risk of CVD were the most consistent and robust. In fact, women who ate a high fiber diet had a 25 percent reduction in the risk of heart disease. In men the effects were less pronounced, although a protective effect on the risk of stroke was observed.

While the exact reasons for the different effects in men versus women were unclear, a likely explanation is that women obtained most of their fiber from fruits and vegetables, while men obtained most of their fiber from breads and cereals.

Until next week,

Best Wishes for Ultimate Health and Majestic Dreams!

Steve Wallach
CEO
AL International
Helping YOU Live Younger, Longer!

“Resolve Today to Make the Best Use of Tomorrow”

Source: Wallström P, Sonestedt E, Hlebowicz J, et al. Dietary fiber and saturated fat intake associations with cardiovascular disease differ by sex in the Malmö Diet and Cancer Cohort: a prospective study. PLoS ONE, 2012;7(2):e31637.

Connect then Reconnect

If you’re serious about growing your Youngevity Business one of your goals should be to meet new people whom you can sponsor. Here are a few ways to connect (or reconnect) with potential team members:

Have a goal of connecting with at least two new people every single day about your business. Mention some aspect of your Youngevity business every single day to at least two others. This could be sharing our Weekly Newsletter or perhaps brainstorming on product usage or simply asking someone if they would like a catalog. Two people every day for a month is sixty new people you will have spoken to in just one month!

Have another goal of talking to five new people every single day about the products. This is different than the above suggestion of talking to two people about business. Make a point of introducing yourself by just saying hello to five new people every day. In one month’s time you’ll have met 150 new people! There’s a pretty good chance that one of them wants to join your team (or knows someone else who does).

Always be ready to present your opportunity. Make sure you have business cards, catalogs, and recruiting information with you everywhere you go. Make sure the Youngevity Business Presentation is on the main menu of your laptop or iPad.

Reconnect with old acquaintances. Write an email, make a phone call. Or join a social network like Facebook, LinkedIn or Pinterest.

Vanessa Hunter
Vice President of Marketing
AL International