Health Find- Focus on Fiber

Fiber is a little aspect of our diets that constantly gets ignored. Without monitoring your diet, it's easy to fall short in this department. However, the benefits of keeping up with fiber are great.

The American Heart Association says fiber helps keep your digestive system in line while lowering cholesterol (soluble) and also removes waste in colon and prevents cancer (insoluble).

The Institute of Medicine recommends 14 grams for every 1,000 calories you intake. (Depending on your level of activity, women need on average about 2,000 calories/day.)

Soluble VS. Insoluble Fiber
Both types are indigestible, meaning not absorbed into your bloodstream. Soluble fiber forms a gel in our bodies while insoluble remains largely intact. Soluble fibers include nuts, barley, fruits, vegetables, and oats.

Insoluble fiber is found in dark green leafy vegetables, fruit skins, seeds, and whole wheat/whole oat products.

Because most of us are missing out on fiber in our diets in general, it is not specifically important to be picky about the type of fiber you intake. In fact, most foods high in fiber contain a mix of soluble and insoluble anyway.

Try adding fiber to your diet by making conscious choices at the grocery store. Check the labels of your favorite foods, make changes where necessary. Many cereals on the market boast high fiber on their boxes. Snacking on some can help you meet your requirements for the day.

Warning- excessive intake of fiber could leave you stuck in the bathroom for awhile. When adding fiber in your diet, do so slowly and cautiously!

Fiber Tip Links- Fiber 101 American Heart Association-Fiber