Dietitians recommend that we eat 25 to 30 grams of fiber daily, but the average American only gets less than half this amount, according to WebMD. There are many reasons why fiber is important to your health, from lowering your cholesterol to helping regulate your digestion. Plus, high-fiber diets can help you to lose weight and feel full and satisfied from fewer calories.
More and more fiber-enriched food products are popping up in grocery stores. You can find fiber-enhanced yogurt, toaster pastries and muffin mix. But are these foods as good for you as good for you as naturally occurring fibers? Nutrition scientists don’t think that fiber additives like inulin, maltodextrose and polydextrose have as many of the health benefits as naturally occurring fiber, although there is debate as to why.
If eating fiber-fortified foods helps you get your recommended daily intake, then there’s nothing wrong with that according to Health.com. Just be sure to read the rest of the nutritional information, and choose foods that don’t have a lot of added sugars.
Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are all great sources of natural fiber. One cup of cooked beans and 10 to 13 grams of fiber, a half cup of bran cereal has 10 grams and a cup of berries has five to nine grams.
Also Read:
Top Reasons to Eat Fiber
Do Packaged Foods Need a Fiber Boost?
Recipe: Fiber Up Salad