The Importance of Dietary Fiber in the Diet

"High fiber diets are actually endorsed in diets prescribed to treat almost every condition in existence. For example, when you are being encouraged to consume more whole grain, peas and beans, fruits, and vegetables, you are actually being encouraged to consume high fiber foods."

In the past few years, there has been an increased emphasis on the advertisement of dietary fiber and its importance in the regulation of bowel movement and weight loss. Although there have been quite a few instances where crash diets have marketing campaigns that are conveniently supported by vague and obscure studies, the increased popularity of dietary fiber is not one of them. 

 

High fiber diets are actually endorsed in diets prescribed to treat almost every condition in existence. For example, when you are being encouraged to consume more whole grain, peas and beans, fruits, and vegetables, you are actually being encouraged to consume high fiber foods. You may not be told directly to consume fiber but if your diet is rich in these foods chances are you are well on your way to having a high fiber diet.

Jamaica's National Dish-Ackee & Saltfish

Ackee and Saltfish meal. Photo courtesy of Juici Patties 

As the national dish of Jamaica, Ackee and Saltfish is internationally known and locally loved. 

The ackee fruit was imported to Jamaica from West Africa (probably on a slave ship) before 1778. It is also known as Blighia Sapida. The scientific name honors Captain William Bligh who took the fruit from Jamaica to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, England in 1793 and introduced it to science. Because parts of the fruit are toxic, there are shipping restrictions when being exported from Jamaica. Saltfish is cod that has been preserved by drying after salting. Below is a method for preparing this meal.