ANSWER:

Dietary fiber, the edible portions of plant cell walls that are resistant to digestion, is an extremely beneficial component of our diets.  Not only does it help ward off many diseases, it has been shown to aid in weight loss by reducing food intake at meals.  This is because fiber-rich foods take longer to digest and thus result in an increased feeling of fullness and satiety.  In addition, the more gradual absorption slows the entrance of glucose into the blood stream, thereby preventing large blood glucose and insulin spikes.…