Why a high fiber diet? High fiber diets have a lot of benefits, some of those include lowering cholesterol, decreasing the risk of certain cancers, help slow glucose absorption, and can contribute to weight loss due to the ability to increase the feeling of feeling full. Fiber goes through the large intestine without being absorbed and helps ‘bulk’ up the stool, which can prevent and/or relieve constipation. Typically adults do not succeed in taking in the recommended daily dose of fiber. It is recommended that an adult take in 20 to 35 grams of fiber per day.
It is recommended that you eat five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Whenever possible, chose whole fruits over fruit juice. Read labels – eat whole grains, not refined grains, include beans in your diet, and choose breads and cereal with at least 5 grams of fiber per serving. It is also important to drink 6-8 glasses of water daily.