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 February is Heart Health Month—
Roughing It
How adding fiber to your diet will help prevent heart disease.
Heart disease is a critical health issue for Americans. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death and a major cause of disability in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Although commonly mistaken as a disease affecting mostly men and the elderly, heart disease is also a serious health risk for women of all ages. In fact, one in every three women will die from heart disease, compared to one in 30 who will die from breast cancer.
The good news is that heart disease is largely preventable through positive lifestyle changes. Research shows that a diet rich in fiber reduces the incidence of risk factors for heart disease. |
What is Dietary Fiber?
Dietary fiber describes the part of plant foods that your body can’t digest. Fiber is present in all plants that are eaten for food, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes. Fiber can be divided into two types: soluble and insoluble. These types of fiber have different effects on glucose metabolism—which is the rate at which your body processes sugar. |
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Soluble Fiber
Soluble fiber dissolves in water, forming a gel in the intestines. The beneficial effects of soluble fibers are reduced glucose and insulin responses because it slows the effect of carbohydrate absorption and digestion.
Insoluble Fiber
Insoluble fiber doesn’t dissolve in water and increases the movement of material through your digestive tract allowing less time for carbohydrates to be absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, thus relieving insulin demand.
How Much Fiber?
The average American’s daily intake of fiber is about 5 to 14 grams per day. However, recommendations from the National Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine are that adults consume 21 – 30 grams or dietary fiber per day, depending on age and gender. |
Men |
Age |
Grams of Fiber/Day |
19 – 30 |
38 |
31 – 50 |
38 |
51 – 70 |
30 |
70+ |
30 |
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Women |
Age |
Grams of Fiber/Day |
19 – 30 |
25 |
31 – 50 |
25 |
51 – 70 |
21 |
70+ |
21 |
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Fiber and Heart Disease
High intake of dietary fiber has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease in a number of large studies that followed people for many years [1, 2]. These early nutrition research findings have been borne out by countless subsequent studies. One recent study found that every additional 10 grams of fiber consumed on a daily basis cuts the risk of coronary heart disease death by 27 percent [1].
In a Harvard study of over 40,000 male health professionals, researchers found that a high total dietary fiber intake was linked to a 40 percent lower risk of coronary heart disease, compared to a low fiber intake [3]. A related Harvard study of female nurses produced quite similar findings [4].
Another study of over 31,000 California Seventh-day Adventists found a 44 percent reduced risk of nonfatal coronary heart disease and an 11 percent reduced risk of fatal coronary heart disease for those who consumed more fiber in their diets. One minor change in their diets provided a protective effect that could save their lives.
Another strong predictor of heart disease is abnormal blood cholesterol levels. Soluble fiber reduces the absorption of cholesterol in your intestines by binding with bile (which contains cholesterol) and dietary cholesterol so that the body excretes it.
While atherosclerotic heart disease (the process of progressive thickening and hardening of the walls of arteries from fats and cholesterol deposits on their inner lining) is the most prevalent cause of death, it is perhaps the most modifiable one [5]. |
Fiber and Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Diabetes leads to heart disease and stroke. It’s characterized by sustained high blood sugar levels. It tends to develop when the body can no longer produce enough of the hormone insulin to lower blood sugar to normal levels or cannot properly use the insulin that it does produce.
Research has shown that consuming fiber can help prevent this form of diabetes. Dietary fiber slows the absorption of food so that blood sugar does not rise as rapidly, while also reducing insulin secretion [6]. This was demonstrated in a study published in 2004 in which a high fiber intake led to improved glycemic control, along with reduction of blood pressure and serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels [7].
A German clinical trial reported that eating a fiber-rich diet for only three days improved insulin sensitivity in overweight and obese women by 8 percent. If a diet intervention this small can have that great of an impact, you can imagine what years of following a high-fiber diet would do.
The good news for those with diabetes is that increasing your fiber now can also prevent long-term complications from diabetes. Soluble fiber has been found to produce significant reductions in blood sugar. In clinical intervention trials ranging from two to 17 weeks, consumption of fiber was shown to decrease insulin requirements in people with type 2 diabetes. If you've ever had to inject yourself with insulin, you can appreciate how much easier and less painful it would be to increase your fiber intake to avoid the need for insulin injections.
Fiber for Weight Control
One of the most alarming health concerns of the last decade is explosive growth in the number of people—especially younger people—who are overweight or obese.
A 1997 study investigated the effects of one week of supplementation with guar gum (a water-soluble fiber found in the Biosphere Fiber of Bios Life) on hunger and satiety, as well as calorie intake, in obese test subjects. Adding fiber to the diet decreased food intake, and subjects on a reduced-calorie diet reported diminished hunger after supplementing with fiber. Thus, fiber may assist in weight-management programs by promoting a feeling of fullness, decreasing hunger, and promoting adherence to a reduced-calorie diet [8].
Another study confirmed these effects. When overweight individuals added 14 grams of fiber daily to their otherwise unrestricted diet, they consumed 10 percent fewer calories. This led to an average of 4.2 pounds of weight loss in just under four months [9].
These factors are especially important in treating obesity in children, according to the Department of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, which notes that modern nutritional research indicates an important role for fiber in regulating body weight [10]. |
Fiber Myth or Fiber Fact?
All forms of dietary fiber are the same.
Myth.
Dense meats such as steak and pork are good sources of dietary fiber.
Myth.
A high-fiber diet promotes weight loss.
Fact.
You only need dietary fiber if you suffer from constipation.
Myth.
A high-fiber diet helps prevent colon cancer.
Fact.
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Rough Up Your Diet with These Two World-Class Fiber Supplements
Incorporating increased fiber intake into a daily plan for healthy living can help you lower your risk of heart attack and cancer, as well as prevent or manage such common conditions as hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Moreover, fiber is a valuable tool in achieving optimal weight.
Bios Life—More Than Fifteen Years as the Standard for Fighting Cardiovascular Disease Naturally
Bios Life is a unique matrix of fiber, vitamins, and natural ingredients that work together offering numerous health benefits including achieving and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, and stabilizing blood sugar levels.
Reduces the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
The leading cause of cardiovascular disease—North America’s #1 killer—is unhealthy cholesterol levels which allow plaque to form inside your arteries. Regular use of Bios Life has been proven to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) by 31 percent in only eight weeks. Bios Life improves our good cholesterol (HDL) by an average 29 percent in the same eight weeks.
How Does Bios Life Help Achieve Healthy Cholesterol Levels?
The foundation of Bios Life called Biosphere Fiber, a patented blend of five highly soluble fibers.
After drinking a glass of Bios Life, the Biosphere Fiber lowers serum cholesterol by reducing the absorption of cholesterol in the food you’re eating. In addition, this fiber complex absorbs bile acids, which are the compounds manufactured by the liver from cholesterol that are necessary for the proper digestion of fat.
After absorbing the bile acids, the compounds are removed from circulation and don’t make it back to the liver. As a result, the liver must use up additional cholesterol to manufacture new bile acids. Fiber may also reduce the amount of cholesterol manufactured by the liver. |
Stabilizes Blood Sugar
As your drink of Bios Life coats your food, it prevents sugar from entering your system too fast. Normally, sugar gives you a momentary boost in energy—followed by a lapse of energy, and usually causes you to crave more sugar in order to boost your energy again. Without Bios Life you submit yourself to a rollercoaster sensation of energy and then exhaustion. The soluble fiber in Bios Life acts as a “time release” agent for the sugars found in your food.
Clinically Proven Results
The benefits of Bios Life have been clinically proven in eight scientific trials and clinical studies at some of the top universities, hospitals, and research institutions around the world. In addition, the studies with Bios Life have shown that diabetics can reduce their sugar levels using Bios Life and improve their overall disease management.
Click here for more information on Bios Life.
LiFiber: Proven Blend of 29 Herbs—Age-Old Wisdom for Modern Man
 LiFiber is a psyllium-based powder drink that includes 29 different herbs which supply both insoluble fiber and the soluble fiber. LiFiber provides ample high-quality dietary fiber and herbs that are beneficial to the gastrointestinal tract.
The uniqueness of LiFiber is enhanced by the inclusion of a special dietary fiber called Fructooligo Saccharide (FOS). FOS, which is derived from chicory root, is a naturally sweet substance that cannot be digested by human digestive enzymes. FOS is mainly used as a source of food for the "beneficial" bacteria Bifidobacteria and Acidophilus.
The psyllium base provides eight times more soluble fiber than oat bran. LiFiber can assist in weight management goals by providing a "full" feeling. This balanced formula supplies 5.6 grams of soluble and insoluble fiber per 10 gram serving.
Click here for more information on LiFiber.
Fiber and You
With increased fiber intake, some people may experience gastrointestinal discomfort or changes such as increased or loose bowel movements. This is simply the body’s period of adjustment to the introduction of greater amounts of dietary fiber. Medical professionals recommend adding fiber to the diet gradually until the body adjusts. Moreover, because soluble fibers form a gel with water, it is important to drink plenty of water with fiber supplements. Abundant water intake will help to optimize fiber’s actions in the body and prevent ill effects such as dehydration or constipation. |
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1. Which of the following health benefits cannot be linked to a high-fiber diet?
2. Which of the following foods DOES NOT contain a significant amount of fiber?
3. How many medium-sized apples would you need to eat to get the recommended amount of fiber you need in one day?
4.What age groups do you think would benefit from the health benefits of daily fiber intake?
Answer Key:
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Featured Product of the Month—
Shaken? Stirred? How do You Take Your Bios Life?
Bios Life Starter Pack Gives You Everything You Need to Start Taking Bios Life
The Bios Life Starter Pack has it all—not only does it give you a canister of Bios Life, it gives you all you need to make sure that you’re taking Bios Life throughout the day.
Shaker Cup—Want to offer Bios Life to your friend or prospect? This handy Bios Life branded shaker cup comes with its own lid to let you shake it up—no matter where you are.
Funnel—Is carrying your own water bottle more your style? This clever Bios Life branded funnel fits perfectly in most water bottle openings. Now you can pour in your Bios Life without spilling a drop. Pour, shake, drink.
Mini Hand Mixer—Innovative mini mixer makes stirring with a spoon obsolete. Mixes up your Bios Life in just seconds flat.
Designer Tote—This sophisticated Bios Life branded tote keeps your Bios Life, shaker cup, funnel, and mini hand mixer all together in one revolutionary package for you or for the perfect Bios Life introductory gift set. |
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This Valentine’s Day, Make a Beautiful Impression
This winter you don’t want to be without the Aboriginal Gold® line of treatment products to soothe, calm, and moisturize your skin. This attractive ensemble makes a beautiful Valentine’s Day gift to help make winter skin more comfortable. |
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New! —Aboriginal Gold Clay Facial Mask
A silky smooth clay mask with a revolutionary QuSome delivery system that facilitates the greatest absorption of healing peptides, and the antioxidants of white tea and vitamins A, E, C, and N, promoting healthier, firmer, more radiant skin. Contains natural pore cleansing kaolin and bentonite clays to absorb impurities and excess oils while detoxifying your skin, and Centipeda cunninghamii to sooth and restore. |
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Aboriginal Gold Cleansing Bar
A mild, vegetable-based cleanser with soothing Centipeda cunninghamii, and tea tree oil to heal and comfort the skin, as well as grapefruit and lavender to cleanse with a refreshing scent. Gentle on sensitive skin, yet effective enough to keep the whole family clean and comfortable from head to toe. |
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Aboriginal Gold Skin Comforting Crème
This moisture-concentrated formula uses the trusted healing of Centipeda cunninghamii to relieve extremely dry, cracked, sun burnt, or irritated skin. With proven anti-fungal action, Aboriginal Gold Skin Comforting Crème soothes inflamed skin and is known to alleviate even the most challenging skin conditions. |
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Valentine Tote
The essential accessory—a tote! In fact, finding one that’s big enough to contain all your stuff and looks stylish at the same time can be tricky—which is why we’re including one with this Aboriginal Valentine’s Day offer!
This lightweight tote is made of durable canvas and includes an internal zip organizer. There’s plenty of room to carry everything you need when you’re on the go and extra long handles for easy carrying. |
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Online Business Tools Offers Vast Resources
Training calls, podcasts, newsletters, videos…
Franchise Owners are encouraged to take advantage of the vast library of training resources available in the Business Tools section of Unicity.net.
Business Tools offers the current week’s training calls and an archive of past training calls. This is now the only resource of archived calls, as past calls will no longer be available on the phone system. These archived calls will also be available for download.
In addition, the weekly eNews’ from the past will also be available along with many of Unicity’s videos. Check back often to look for more resources to be added over the next few weeks. Don’t forget to send your new Franchise Partners to the Business Tools section for in-depth training. |
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Working to Increase your Check
Change in Sales Tax
Based on the formal structure of our Retail and Preferred Customer Programs, we are now able to modify the calculation of sales tax charged to Franchise Owners. Effective February 1, sales tax for Franchise Owners will be based on the wholesale price of products and not the suggested retail price.
We are excited to provide this benefit to our Franchise Owners and will continue to look for efficiencies related to owning and building a successful franchise.
Group Volume Roll-Up
In an effort to help Franchise Owners achieve the Group Volume (GV) requirement, we are implementing a new process called "Group Volume Roll-Up".
Beginning with the January 2008 Commission Period, if a Franchise Owner who has achieved the rank of Manager in the past but does not have 250 Personal Volume (PV) in a given month, his or her GV will "roll-up" and be included in the GV of the first upline Manager or above with 250 PV.
The “rolled-up” GV will be calculated during the commission run. It will not be displayed in Volume Checking online because a Manager's PV may change throughout the month.
The payout does not change; it’s still paid to the first upline Manager or above with 250 PV.
We expect this new process will help numerous Franchise Owners qualify for additional compensation under the compensation plan.
Change in Product Prices
Over the past two years we have done everything possible to negotiate and absorb cost increases related to product ingredients and manufacturing processes. We are no longer able to absorb the cost increases and provide to products and services you value, so we will be modifying prices on several of our products starting February 12.
To maintain the profit margin for Franchise Owners who have Retail and Preferred Customers, we will modify the prices for these two groups of customers on March 1. We will communicate the price changes to all Retail and Preferred Customers through an email by February 15.
To see the new prices, log in to Franchise Office, go to “My Business” on the navigation bar and select “Library” in the drop-down menu, scroll down to the “Product Info” section of the Library and select the Wholesale Price List (Excel Spreadsheet) to open; or you can view the prices online on February 12. |
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© 2007 Unicity International,
Inc.
1201 North 800 East
Orem, UT 84097
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Us: Customer Service Center
1-800-864-2489 | 1-888-BIOSLIFE
Weekdays: 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (MT)
Saturday: 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (MT) |
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