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Abstract
Dietary fiber has many health benefits, including positive impact on numerous chronic and life
threatening diseases. Whole grain foods, legumes, fruits and vegetables are important sources
of dietary fiber. In this article, the definitions of soluble and insoluble fiber, their mechanism of
action and impact on health are discussed. Further, the characteristics and advantages of
resistant starch, a high fiber product used by the food industry are outlined. There is a Dietary
Reference Intake (DRI) for fiber in place for adults and children; it is recommended to cover
that amount with natural food sources rather than in form of capsules. However, there are also
natural high fiber supplements on the market; one of these food sources is Plantago psyllium,
whose seed husk has high fiber content. Practical guidelines for a sufficient daily fiber intake
are also given