We’ve all heard how important fiber is for a healthy diet. However, Americans currently consume only 10% of the fiber that we did 100 years ago.* This dramatic drop in fiber is mainly due to the way wheat was processed at the turn of the century compared to today. Here are some facts about fiber and ideas on how to add more fiber to your diet.
Two Types of Fiber
- Soluble Fiber is found in oats, peas, beans, apples, citrus fruits, carrots, barley and psyllium. It dissolved in water and can help lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels.
- Insoluble Fiber is found in whole-wheat flour, wheat bran, nuts, beans and vegetables. This type of fiber is helpful with movement of the bowels.
Recommended daily fiber for adults is:
A good diet should contain 25g to 30g of fiber a day. The average American eats less than half of that.
- Men (50 or younger): 38g
- Men (51+): 30g
- Women (50 or younger): 25g
- Women (51+): 21 g