Increasing daily soluble fiber intake from fruits, vegetables, beans, and certain supplements may help you lose dangerous visceral fat, which produces hormones and other substances linked to a host of chronic diseases, according to a new study from journal Obesity. Unlike the subcutaneous fat found just under the skin, visceral fat is located deep in the belly and wraps around a person's vital organs. In the study, for every 10-gram increase in soluble fiber eaten per day, visceral fat was reduced by 3.7 percent over five years. This could be achieved, for example, by eating two small apples, one cup of green peas, one-half cup of pinto beans, 1 T. inulin (fiber extracted from chicory roots), and 1 T. ground organic flaxseed daily.  

Additionally, a British Journal of Nutrition study showed that soluble fiber can reduce energy intake by 10 percent while maintaining normal levels of satiety and hunger.  

Finally, soluble fiber from ground flaxseed may suppress rises in blood levels of lipids after a meal and modulate appetite, according to a study from Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases.

This week's Well Connect topics are:

• This Instead for Flax for Menopause.     
• Why GI Distress During Exercise.
• Vaccine Update.
• Brand of Organic Cottage Cheese 
• Brand of Healthy Kid Meals  
• Farm to Table Locavore Tidbit  
• New Biofuel on the Horizon?
• Why Do Indoor Pools Adversely Affect Boys?
• Military Looks to Supplement to Prevent Suicides.  
• Addressing Hiccups. 
• eInspire 

In the current health care paradigm, it is paramount that we practice "self-care". But how can we ascertain what is truth or fiction? NCI Well Connect does the work for you as your self-care wellness filter. Staying connected to real-time nutrition and lifestyle developments, based upon sound research, motivates you to adhere to your optimal wellness plan.

In addition to the eNewsletter, subscribing to NCI Well Connect allows you access to our entire library of Action Plans and Natural Foods Shopping List. The total value of these items exceeds the subscription price. Click here for a list of our Action Plans titles.

The cost for a one year subscription (42 issues) is ninety-nine dollars (2.35 per week). For more info, email Steve at nutrocon@yahoo.com, 847-509-1336, or review a sample issue.

This month's video features the Biotrition Blood Test, which measures food intolerances. I explain many health complaints that can be attributed to food intolerances. 

Gluten, corn, and rice-free maztoh squares made from tapioca starch. Comes in tasty original and toasted onion flavors. Most people cannot believe how good it tastes without the constipation!  

Until they are widely available in stores, we will be carrying them at our office.