Fiber A Great Way To Build A Healthier You?

Eating a diet that’s rich in fiber has a whole host of health benefits, including lower cholesterol and a healthier body weight. Despite this, 9 out of every 10 Americans do not get enough fiber in their diet. The secret to increasing fiber can be as simple as adding a few common foods to your daily routine, helping you to take advantage of the numerous benefits fiber has to offer without making a dramatic change in diet or lifestyle.

Looking to increase the amount of fiber in your diet will lead you to another source of healthy food, whole grains. Only choose cereals, breads, and pastas that are made with whole grains. They are higher in fiber, allowing you to feel full faster, while lower in fat and calories. Beans and lentils are also natural sources of fiber, though should be consumed in moderation by those looking to achieve a lower body weight.

Among the many healthy benefits of eating your vegetables is that they are a natural way to get your fiber. Veggies such as green pepper, artichokes, peas, and broccoli are very high in fiber, as are some fruits, including Apples, nectarines, Oranges and raisins. In small amounts, nuts are a nutritious and healthy snack, and are also fiber-rich. If you’re not a huge fan of fruits and veggies, you may want to consider adding a fiber supplement to your diet. However, a fiber supplement should not be used to replace foods that are high in fiber, since the supplement will not give you the nutritional benefits found in the food, and will not help you regulate body weight.

If you currently have a fairly low-fiber diet, you don’t want to change your habits overnight, as this can cause bloating, gas, and other digestive side effects. One of the main advantages of fiber is that it helps naturally regulate the digestive system, reducing the risk of diseases like colon cancer and diverticulitis. Adults under the age of 50 need more fiber, as they generally have a higher food intake and more frequently choose to eat unhealthy foods.

Fiber is just one key to a healthier diet, leading to a stronger heart and digestive system, lower body weight, and higher energy levels.