With so much talk now about the many fiber benefits and the importance of fiber to Weight Loss, it’s hard to imagine that just thirty years ago, fiber was completely ignored by the medical community as being beneficial to our health! Fiber is found only in plants and is indigestible, which means it passes through the human digestive system unchanged.

Fiber falls under the carbohydrate heading but is further classified as soluble and insoluble. Easily dissolved in water, soluble fiber is found in foods such as apples, beans, oats, and carrots. Soluble fiber can lower blood sugar levels as well as blood cholesterol levels.

Vegetables, nuts, wheat bran, and whole-wheat flour are classified as insoluble fiber. This type of fiber cannot be dissolved in water and is an outstanding laxative.

Typically, a good diet would include 25-35 grams of fiber each day. Women need less than men and younger women need slightly more than older women. Most Americans only get about half of the daily recommended amount of fiber in their diets.

One interesting fact is that Americans only consume about 10% of the fiber found in typical diets 100 years ago! When you consider the many advancements in wheat processing, that statistic makes more sense.

Wheat bran is the single best source of fiber, although other good sources include whole-grain breads, fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Fiber supplements, such as Metamucil and Citrucel, can be useful, but these products provide a restricted type of fiber. Some fiber benefits can only be utilized if eaten naturally.

You can easily take advantage of the many fiber benefits, but be sure to introduce it slowly to your system. Adding too much at once can cause cramping, bloating, and other gastrointestinal problems. Drinking plenty of water can help.

There are a plethora of fiber benefits. Fiber slows down digestion and absorption and allows glucose to enter the bloodstream more slowly, causing fewer peaks in blood sugar. Fiber decreases blood cholesterol levels and produces organic acids that provide fuel for the liver. Fiber slows down the eating process by requiring that you chew, and provides a sense of fullness that makes food more satisfying. Fiber prevents constipation and benefits Weight Loss.

The benefits of fiber are obvious in a Weight Loss program. With that sense of fullness and texture, the dieter will feel satisfied longer and have more energy. In addition, fiber allows more “bang for the buck” since foods high in fiber tend to be lower in calories.

With all of these wonderful fiber benefits, why wouldn’t you want to make fiber a major part of your diet? Make sure that the next meal you plan includes a healthy portion of high-fiber foods to meet all your daily needs!