Fiber is an important part of our diet that many of us are not getting enough of. Fiber plays an important role in healthy digestion by helping the body get rid of waste quickly.

Not getting enough fiber can lead to:

Irregular bowel movements -> Dietary fiber is a part of plants that adds bulk to our stool and helps draw water into the digestive tract. This keeps everything running smooth and regular.

Colon cancer -> Studies have shown relationships between high fiber diets and decreased risk of colon cancer.

High cholesterol -> Fiber can lower cholesterol by binding to the bile acids that carry cholesterol and preventing them from being digested.

Increased appetite -> Fiber is an indigestible part of plants that can add volume to food without adding calories. This can make us feel full and satisfied for longer.

High blood sugar -> soluble fiber turns into a gel when it is digested. This slows the absorption of sugar into the blood. You will have longer energy from 15g of sugar from an apple than 15g of sugar from candy.

A diet low in whole grains, or fruits and vegetables is likely low in fiber. The recommended amount is about 30g/day for men and 25g/day for women.