Chia seeds are a go-to for those looking to add more fiber to their diet. Just one ounce of chia seeds packs 9.8 grams of fiber, which is 35% of the Daily Value (DV). But, while the fiber content of chia seeds is impressive, they aren’t the only way to boost your fiber intake. In…
Dietary fiber is a type of carbohydrate that your body can’t fully digest. It’s found in plant foods like grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. Fiber offers a wide variety of health benefits, including preventing constipation, supporting healthy digestion and weight management, and potentially reducing the risk of diabetes and cancer. However, most people in…
Fiber is very important for gut health because it feeds beneficial gut bacteria and promotes healthy bowel movements. However, most Americans meet only about 50% of their daily fiber needs. “This is largely due to diets high in processed foods and low in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes,” Lauren Manaker. MS, RDN, LD, Charleston-based…
Fiber is an essential nutrient that supports digestion, promotes healthy weight management, and may reduce your risk of conditions like diabetes and heart disease. However, if you boost your fiber intake too quickly, it can cause bloating. This is because your body can’t fully digest fiber. Instead, your gut produces bacteria that break it down,…
Chia Seeds Flaxseeds Calories 138 150 Protein 4.7 grams 5 grams Carbs 11.9 grams 8 grams Fiber 9.8 grams 8 grams Fat 8.7 grams 12 grams Iron 2.2 milligrams (mg) or 12% of the Daily Value (DV) 1.6 mg or 9% of the DV Calcium 179 mg or 14% of the DV 57 mg…
If you’re not eating enough fiber, you’re not alone. The average American only gets about 15 grams per day—less than half the recommended amount of 25–38 grams. That’s a problem, because fiber plays a major role in supporting your health. It helps your digestive system run smoothly, keeps you feeling full, and lowers your risk…
Many fruits, vegetables, legumes, and seeds are good sources of fiber, including avocados, lentils, and berries. Fiber is an indigestible nutrient that’s concentrated in most plant foods. High-fiber diets have been linked with several health benefits, including a lower risk of several common health conditions like colon cancer, heart disease, and constipation. However, most Americans…
Soluble and insoluble fiber are carbohydrates that your body doesn’t digest. Soluble fiber dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance. It’s especially helpful for managing blood sugars and cholesterol. Insoluble fiber doesn’t dissolve in water, so it moves through your digestive tract intact. It’s great for preventing or relieving constipation. It’s important to eat…
Oats are almost synonymous with fiber—a hearty bowl for breakfast can help support gut and heart health, and help you feel full after eating. Just one half-cup of uncooked oats (about 1 cup of oatmeal) has 4 grams of fiber. That’s nothing to shake a stick at, but there are plenty of other foods that…
Fiber is a powerful nutrient that serves a variety of functions—like cholesterol control, gut health, and promoting digestive ease. There are two main types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and helps with blood sugar stability and cholesterol control. Insoluble fiber supports healthy bowel movements. Focusing on a plant-rich diet can…
