Fiber Lowers Risk for Preeclampsia

Dietary fiber has been linked with a lower risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, but it also may lower the risk for preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a serious condition of pregnancy that, if left unchecked, can be deadly. It is characterized by high blood pressure. During early pregnancy, more than 1,500 women were asked about their diet. The pregnant women who consumed more than 21 grams of fiber daily were 72 percent less likely to go on to develop the condition than those who consumed fewer than 12 grams. Pregnant women should strive to consume at least 28 grams of fiber daily.