Research Suggests , High Fiber Diets , Come With Myriad of Health Benefits.
NPR reports that a recent review of studies on fiber-rich diets found links to lower risk for major health problems like obesity, diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Fiber provides fuel for trillions of microbes that live in the gut, producing chemical messengers that influence health.
The U.S. government's dietary guidelines suggest eating 14 grams of fiber for every 1,000 calories.
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However, NPR reports that only about 9% of women and 3% of men meet those daily recommendations.
According to researchers, the best source of fiber is from a number of plant-based foods, like whole grains, beans, seeds and nuts.
Foods like sweet potatoes, avocados, pears, asparagus, brown rice and pumpkin seeds are not only a good source of fiber, but also vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients.
Foods like sweet potatoes, avocados, pears, asparagus, brown rice and pumpkin seeds are not only a good source of fiber, but also vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients.
Foods like sweet potatoes, avocados, pears, asparagus, brown rice and pumpkin seeds are not only a good source of fiber, but also vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients.
Salads can be another good source of fiber if iceberg lettuce is substituted with cabbage or kale.
NPR recommends taking small steps to introduce more fiber into your diet in order to give the gastrointestinal tract time to adjust.
As your daily intake of fiber is increased, keep track of how different high-fiber foods affect you.
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At the same time, it is very important to drink plenty of water, which will help fiber move through your system and prevent it from hardening, causing gas and constipation.