Did you know that the average American eats just under 5 lbs. of food per day?! That's roughly 1,500 lbs. of food per year and approximately 50 tons of food over a lifetime. That's a LOT of food we consume and unfortunately up to 1/3 of this high food intake, is junk food, void of adequate fiber and nutrition and high in calories!
With our crazy fast paced lives, many American's are just not getting enough fiber in their diets. The average American now consumes less than half the recommended amount of fiber in their diet, eating only 8-14 grams of fiber per day. Where as the experts recommended daily allowance of fiber is between 25-35 grams per day.
It's no wonder that digestive disorders have become an epidemic in our society.
When you eat foods that are healthy for you, the nutrients are usually absorbed by the body. But fiber is different - it's not absorbed by the body. Instead fiber is passed through the body undigested, therefore not absorbed into the bloodstream, but excreted from the body.
So, why is fiber so important? Fiber, also known as roughage or bulk, is essential in our diets not only for digestive health, but in helping reduce the risk of some serious chronic diseases. Fiber is a bulking agent that slows down the rate at which food enters the bloodstream while increasing the speed at which food exits the body through the digestive tract. This keeps your blood sugar and cholesterol in balance - quickly eliminating harmful toxins from the body and correcting digestive problems, which are epidemic today.
There are Two Types of Fiber:
Soluble Fiber: Also known as pectin, this type of fiber forms a gel-like coating in the intestines, binding with cholesterol and delaying sugar intake, so that the sugar is released gradually into the bloodstream. Soluble fiber is found in the peels and husks of all plant foods such as beans, legumes, whole grains, and certain fruits and vegetables.
Insoluble Fiber: Also known as cellulose, this type of fiber soaks up water, moving waste material quickly through the intestines, making stools softer and easier to pass. This helps to promote regular bowel movements while preventing constipation and hemorrhoids. Insoluble fiber also controls and balances the PH acidity in the intestines. Insoluble fiber is found in the interior of all fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
Both Soluble and Insoluble Fiber work to promote an efficient and clean digestive tract, essential for optimum health and wellbeing.
The Many Health Benefits of Fiber:
- Promotes Weight Loss by Reducing Your Appetite
- Helps Prevent the Development of Obesity
- Prevents or Relieves Constipation and Hemorrhoids
- Improves the Elimination of Toxins
- Boosts Immune System
- Lowers Cholesterol
- Reduces the Risk of Certain Cancers
- Lowers the Risk of Heart Disease
- Lowers the Risk for Type 2 Diabetes
- Lowers High Blood Sugar
- Lowers High Blood Pressure
- Helps in the Prevention of Irritable Bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Helps in the Prevention of Crohn's Disease
- Helps in the Prevention Diverticulitis (the development of small pouches in the colon)
- Helps in the Prevention of Kidney and Gall Stones
- Promotes Anti Aging, Health and Longevity
Research has shown that eating a high-fiber diet as part of an overall healthy lifestyle may play a key role in maintaining a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI).
Ways to Add More Fiber to Your Diet:
Eat More Whole Grains like Oats, Brown Rice, and Whole Wheat Breads, Pastas, or Crackers
Choose Breakfast Cereals that Contain Bran or Fiber
Eat Fruit with Every Meal
Eat Beans 2-3 Times Per Week
Snack on Raw Veggies or Low-Fat Popcorn
Important Tips When Adding Fiber to Your Diet...
Start out Slowly! Adding too much fiber to your diet too quickly may backfire... causing bloating and gas. Instead, gradually increase fiber intake over several weeks as your body needs time to adjust! Also, drink plenty of water (6-8 glasses daily) to help the bulk move swiftly through your system.
ANTI AGING SECRET: As we age, our different body systems become more prone to serious illness and disease. By increasing your daily intake of fiber from whole, natural, antioxidant rich, anti aging food sources, you can actually reverse and prevent premature aging!
Brenda Watson is a Best-Selling Author and one of America's Foremost Authorities on Optimum Digestion and Nutrition. In this Video Brenda Explains the Importance of Fiber in Your Diet.
Check Out Brenda Watson's Fiber 35 Diet Info!
Here's to Improving America's Health with a Healthy, High-Fiber Diet!
Amy
