Fiber: The Health Benefits

If you’re like the average person, you probably only get 11 grams of fiber a day, despite the recommendation for between 20 and 30 grams daily.

Eating more fiber can make you more “regular,” but it has other health benefits as well:

A fiber-rich diet protects a woman’s heart.

A fiber-rich diet contributes to a healthy pregnancy.

A fiber-rich diet may prevent cancer.

According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may prevent certain types of cancer, particularly colon, esophageal, kidney, and pancreatic cancer.Eating foods rich in fiber is recommended during pregnancy, and a recent study of the diets of 1,500 pregnant women showed that those who ate 21.2 grams of fiber a day were 72 percent less likely to develop preeclampsia (pregnancy-related high blood pressure) than women who ate 11.9 grams or less daily.

 Adding just 5 grams of fiber, or two slices of whole wheat bread, to their daily diet cut the risk of preeclampsia by 14 percent.An analysis of health information from 72,000 women who participated in the 18-year long Nurses’ Health Study showed that women who ate a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits (all sources of fiber) had a reduced risk of heart disease compared to women who ate less healthfully.Some good sources of fiber to try:

Fruits and vegetables with the skin on (well-cleaned, of course)

Potatoes with skin

Beans such as lentils or black beans

Whole grains such as oats, barley, or bulgur wheat (just remember to stick to the correct serving size to keep your calorie count down)

 As an added advantage its Good for your SKIN and Keeps you Slim !!!! So try it out everyday