Nancy Dell: Not all fibers are equal; FreshPaper for produce

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) -  

1. I eat 100% whole wheat bread but friends say they buy breads with even more fiber added to cut hunger. Which is better?
Katie, Northampton

All fiber is not created equal. We know people who eat fiber from whole foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, and 100 percent whole grains stay fuller longer and are leaner than people who eat refined foods.

Researchers at the University of Minnesota did a few studies to see if foods like juice, white breads, and brownies with added fiber have the same filling power.

The researchers gave people breakfasts with whole foods like oatmeal, blueberries and nuts or a breakfast with the same calories, fat, protein, carbohydrate and fiber but the fiber was a type of processed fiber.

People felt fuller on the whole foods and only 1 type of added fiber seemed to reduce hunger. That type is called resistant starch, usually made from beans and found in some brands of pasta.

Don't assume that a high fiber food with added fiber will help you eat less. Try to eat whole foods like we find in nature most often.

2. My fruits and veggies go bad before I eat them. Is there a way to make them last longer?
Betsy, Internet

It is hard to get to the store often enough to buy fruits and vegetables at their peak. Now there is a solution.

One woman took a home remedy from her grandmother in India and created a new product called FreshPaper. It is paper infused with spices including fenugreek, which inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungus.

Simply put the paper in with your produce and it will keep fresh two to four times longer.

You can find it at Whole Foods or at Fenugreen.com .