Why is fiber an important part of a healthful human diet?
A) It is easily digested into monosaccharides, which are used for energy.
B) It may decrease the risk of certain types of cancers.
C) It increases the amount of HDL and LDL cholesterol in the body.
D) It contains more energy, gram for gram, than any other nutrient.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fiber has been shown to have many health benefits, including reducing the risk of certain types of cancers such as colon cancer. It also helps regulate digestion and can decrease the risk of heart disease.

Answer: A, C, and D are incorrect.
 A is incorrect because fiber is not easily digested; instead, it passes through the digestive system relatively intact. C is incorrect because fiber has been shown to decrease LDL cholesterol, while having little effect on HDL cholesterol. Finally, D is incorrect because fiber actually contains no energy; it is not metabolized by the body in the same way as other nutrients such as carbohydrates or fat.

Why Is Fiber an Important Part of a Healthful Human