Love Your Body with High Fiber Foods
By Krystle Travi
Eating foods that are full of fiber plays an important role in your health. So what is fiber? Fiber is a part of plant foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and grain products. Your body cannot digest fiber; it can only be broken down by the friendly bacteria living in your gut. Eating foods high in fiber will greatly benefit your health, and your body will thank you for it!
Why is Fiber Important?
There are many health benefits of eating a diet high in fiber. Eating enough fiber can decrease your risk for heart disease, protect against cancer, and keep your gut running smooth. Fiber intake has also been linked to weight loss because it keeps you feeling full between meals.
How Much Fiber Do You Need?
Dietary fiber intake among adults in the United States averages about 15 grams per day. The Institute of Medicine recommends consuming 14 grams of fiber for every 1,000 calories you need. For example, if your goal is to eat 2,000 calories a day, you would also need to eat 28 grams of fiber. If you are unsure of how many calories you need to eat in a day, a safe bet is to aim for 20-30 grams per day.
What Foods Have Fiber?
The best sources of fiber are fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grain foods. Eating at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables and at least 3 servings of whole grains every day will likely provide all the fiber you need. Next time you go grocery shopping, take this grocery list with you and buy high fiber foods. Consider visiting your local farmers' market to purchase seasonal produce. The prime growing season is just around the corner! To find seasonal fruits and vegetables near you, either look in your print copy of Local Table or visit www.localtable.net and click on the farm guide.
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