Fiber

Dietary fiber, also known as roughage, is the indigestible part of plant foods. Fiber has a host of health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Fiber is mostly in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes. To attain proper daily fiber levels it’s best to eat real whole foods. Supplementing fiber will help when diet is lacking.

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the recommended intake for dietary fiber in a 2,000 calorie diet is:

• 25 grams per day for adult females

• 38 grams per day for adult males

Benefits of fiber:

• Normalizes bowel movements

• Helps maintain bowel health

• Lowers cholesterol levels

• Helps control blood sugar levels

• Aids in achieving healthy weight