Dr.Dennis P. Burkitt, a noted British physician remarks, ” Grain roughages, such as rich bran and wheat bran, are an essential part of a healthy diet, and a preventive against diseases like piles, constipation, bowel cancer, varicose veins and even coronary thrombosis.

” Dr. Burkitt worked for many years in Africa and found after a series of observations that rural Africans who eat bulk of fibrous foods rarely suffer from any of these diseases.

• Bran, the outer coverings of grains, is one of the richest sources of dietary fibre. And it contains several types of fibre including cellulose, hermicellulose and pectin.

• Wheat and corn bran are highly beneficial in relieving constipation.
• Experiments show that oat bran can reduce cholesterol levels substantially. Corn bran is considered more versatile.
• It relieves constipation and also lowers LDL cholesterol, which is one of the more harmful kinds.

• Besides being rich in fibre, bran has a real food value being rich in time, iron and vitamins and containing a considerable amount of protein.
• Legumes have high fibre content. Much of this fibre is water- soluble, which makes legumes likely agents for lowering cholesterol.
• Soyabeans, besides this, can also help control glucose levels.

CATHERINE SHALINI RAJA
M.P.T.,MIAP.,PGDYN
CARDIO RESPIRATORY PHYSCIAL THERAPIST
FITNESS & SPORTS REHABILITATION SPECIALIST