Final answer:
Plant foods, high in dietary fiber, are indeed associated with reduced levels of serum cholesterol and can aid in the prevention of coronary heart disease. High-fiber diets reduce the risk of various chronic diseases and support good health through improved nutrient consumption and gut microflora metabolism. True
Step-by-step explanation:
It is true that plant foods possess a high content of fiber and other nutrients that have been associated with reduced levels of serum cholesterol and help in the prevention of coronary heart disease. Dietary fiber found in whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits offers health benefits that include a decreased risk of death and lower rates of coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and colon cancer. The metabolism of plant fibers by the gut microflora can prevent or beneficially impact impaired lipid metabolism and vascular dysfunction associated with coronary heart disease and type II diabetes.
Vegetables contain phytosterol which helps in reducing serum total cholesterol, and fruits like oranges provide potassium, reducing the risk of diabetic coma and preventing scurvy. Limiting saturated fats and cholesterol, which are largely found in animal products, can mitigate the contribution to atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. Consumption of a high fiber diet interferes with the absorption of cholesterol into the bloodstream, subsequently diminishing the risk of getting colon cancer and aiding in weight maintenance.