Fiber is Your Friend

What is Fiber?Fiber is the part of plant foods that is not digested by the human body. It lends structure, texture, and support to plants, yet it does not have any caloric value. It is, however, considered to be a complex carbohydrate.Notice that fiber is part of PLANT foods. It is not generally associated with animal products. For example, you certainly won’t find it in meat or dairy products.Where can I find fiber?Fiber is in whole plant foods, like:• Fruits • Vegetables • Whole grains • Beans, peas, and lentils • Nuts and seedsMake A Healthy Plate!That’s one of the reasons that MyPlate recommends that people fill half their plates with fruits and veggies at each meal plus an additional one quarter of the plate is whole grains. There’s tons of fiber in those foods!Are there different types of fiber?Yes. While the total amount of dietary fiber in your diet is what’s important, we typically classify fiber as either soluble or insoluble.Soluble fiber:• Lowers blood cholesterol• Helps to control blood sugar• Makes you feel full after a mealSources of soluble fiber include oat bran, oatmeal, barley, rye, peas, beans, carrots, apples, and oranges.Insoluble fiber:• Gets credit for promoting GI health.• Prompts normal laxation.• Absorbs water, which makes things easier on your diges- tive tract.Sources of insoluble fiber include fruits, vegetables, beans, wheat bran, brown rice, and other whole grains.In real life, the distinction between fibers is not so simple. Fiber-rich foods usually have both types of fiber, and a high-fiber diet should provide enough of each. It is your total fiber intake that counts.How much fiber do I need?It’s estimated that prehistoric man ate 77-120 grams of fiber a day! That’s much more than today’s experts recommend for adults (25-38 grams/day). This can be achieved by eating a plant-based diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains.A high-fiber diet has many health benefits, including...Decreased risk of...• Heart disease • Diabetes • CancerPositive impact on...•Weight control • Weight loss • Gastrointestinal health