Why your body loves fiber — and you should, too

Getting enough fiber each day can do some amazing things for your body. You might not know it, but dietary fiber can help:

1. Aid weight-loss by making you feel full for longer.
2. Keep you “regular” and help prevent certain digestive problems.
3. Lower levels of “bad” cholesterol in your blood.
4. Manage blood glucose by slowing your absorption of carbohydrates.
5. Reduce the risk of certain health conditions, including heart disease.

ALL OF THIS CAN MAKE FIBER A POWERFUL PART OF YOUR DAILY DIET.

What is fiber?

Fiber is the part of plant-based foods that your body doesn’t digest. There are two types of fiber that offer different benefits to your body.

1. Soluble fiber dissolves in water. It transforms into a gel-like substance that can slow digestion and absorption — including carbs!
2. Insoluble fiber doesn’t dissolve in water. But it helps move food through your digestive system and adds bulk, which helps with regularity.

Looking for fiber? Let us simplify your search.

That slice of brown bread looks like it’s made with whole wheat. And that bowl of cereal loaded with nuggets and little twigs? It’s got to be high in fiber, right? Not necessarily.

Some breads and pastas are brown because of the addition of molasses or food coloring. And some white breads are made with whole grains from a special kind of albino flour, so they don’t look (or taste) high in fiber, but they are. Some cereals with the word “wheat” in the name offer as little as 0.6 gram of fiber per serving, while another box on the same shelf packs five times as much. Here’s how to know you’re making smart fiber choices.

Fabulous fiber finds

For the greatest benefit, mix up your fiber sources. Most fiber-containing foods contain both soluble and insoluble fiber but in different amounts. Variety in your diet will help you cover both kinds. Here are some fabulous finds, ranked by the fiber grams they contain