Are You Getting Enough Fiber?

It’s essential for your health, but are you meeting your daily needs?


Something we all remember from childhood is our mom, our doctor, and even our teachers telling us to eat more fiber. But how many of us really knew what they were talking about?

Dietary fiber refers to carbohydrates that cannot be digested, which means that when consumed, they fill you up and provide you with energy. Here are the two main benefits of eating fiber:

1. It's loaded with vitamins and minerals. The foods in which fiber is found (mainly fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains) are often low in fat and calories-and packed with vitamins and minerals.

2. It helps prevent health problems. Both the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Dietetic Association (ADA) claim that consuming the proper amount of fiber can help improve digestive disorders; lower high cholesterol and high blood pressure; and prevent obesity, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.

The Institute of Medicine recommends eating 14 grams of fiber for every 1,000 calories, which can be 30 grams per day. Problem is, the average American eats only about half that. Without obsessing over nutrition labels, here are simple, everyday ways to make sure you get enough fiber-and how you'll know it's enough.

By Nathan Schiller, QualityHealth News, www.qualityhealth.com