The Importance of Fiber in your Diet

dietary fiberThe benefits of fiber in your diet go beyond regularity. In fact, a high-fiber diet is shown to lower your risks of diabetes and heart disease, according to the Mayo Clinic. Additionally, people who consume more, often have greater success while dieting because their food digests more slowly, and therefore keeps you fuller longer. bbNevertheless, most Americans do not consume the recommended daily intake, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center.

What is Dietary Fiber?

Dietary fiber, also called roughage, is derived from plant foods that your body cannot absorb or digest as it does fats and carbohydrates. When you consume insoluble fiber, your body uses it to increase stool bulk, which is useful for normalizing bowel movements. Soluble fiber helps lower blood glucose levels by slowing the absorption of sugar and also helps lower blood cholesterol levels by reducing LDL or “bad” cholesterol in the body. Some studies show that maintaining a this type of diet also helps reduce blood pressure and inflammation. Foods that contain these types of fiber include:

  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Wheat bran
  • Whole-wheat flour
  • Nuts
  • Flaxseed
  • Beans

Recommended Daily Intake of Dietary Fiber

With so many people eating on the go, many lack the fiber doctors recommend. Pre-packaged foods are not ideal sources of it, or other needed nutrients. However, when you are unable to eat fresh selections, you can choose better options by reading nutrition labels. A good rule of thumb when looking for the food that are highest, is to aim for items containing at least one gram of fiber per 100 calories. Your day’s intake should total approximately 21 to 25 grams if you are a woman. Men need around 30 to 38 grams daily for optimal health. If consuming enough of it is difficult for you, consider using healthful supplements and aides such as:

  • Nature’s Three
  •  LoClo
  •  Everybody’s Fiber

References: MayoClinic.com: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fiber/NU00033;

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