Ministry of Health and Novartis Consumer Health to hold health awareness seminar

The Public Health and Primary Healthcare Sector of the Ministry of Health Dubai and Novartis Consumer Health have organized the 'Be Fiber Healthy" in conjunction with Simply Healthy Restaurant in Town Center on Saturday August 25th, 2007 from 12 pm to 11 pm in the evening.

Special high fiber recipes have been prepared specifically for this event. Customers will have their food cooked in front of them upon ordering their recipes which are discounted. They can avail of the discounts or donate them to Children's Charity Organization. They will also avail of the chance to enter a raffle draw and win valuable prizes.

Samah Manazalawi, Brand Manager of Benefiber from Novartis Consumer Health says, " Eat more fiber. You've probably heard it before. But do you know why fiber is so good for your health? Dietary fiber is found mainly in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes and is probably best known for its ability to prevent or relieve constipation. But fiber can provide other health benefits as well, such as lowering your risk of diabetes and heart disease. If you need to add more fiber to your diet, don't worry. Increasing the amount you eat each day isn't difficult. Add more high-fiber foods into your meals and snacks".

Find out how much fiber you need on a daily basis:
Men : 30 - 35 grams
Women : 25-30 grams

Eating a high-fiber diet may also help with weight loss as high-fiber foods generally require more chewing time, feel fuller and less hungry and contain fewer calories.

If you aren't getting enough fiber each day, you may need to boost your intake. Choose whole-grain products, raw or cooked fruits and vegetables, and dried beans and peas. Refined or processed foods such as fruit juice, white bread and pasta, and non-whole-grain cereals are lower in fiber content. The grain-refining process removes the outer coat (bran) from the grain, which lowers its fiber content. Similarly, removing the skin from fruits and vegetables decreases their fiber content.