In 1972, a British doctor, Dr Dennis Burkitt, began to publicise his theory that constipation, caused by lack of fibre in the diet, went on to be a factor in diverticulitis - a form of colonic inflammation and even led to cancer of the bowel.
Around the same time, commander T.L. Cleave, a surgeon, suggested that the low-fibre diet served upto seamen caused constipation - the biggest health problem in the Royal Navy and that this could b a precursor of varicose veins and haemorrhoids.
As a result of all the publicity, bran became almost an obsession with some people. Unfortunately excessive consumption of bran can cause problems such as abdominal bloating and flatulence. Bran contains a substance called phytic acic which inhibits the body's absorbtion of certain minerals, especially iron, to the extent that lare intakes ofbran can contribute to amenia.
Women at risk of osteoporosis should also be wary of eating too much bran, as it may impede the uptake of dietary calcium.
Fianally researchers in manchester found that more than half of patiens with irritable bowel syndnome actually feel worse after eating bran.
Sourced from readers digest
foods that harm, foods that heal
1996
Recent Comments