Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/99744
On The Road To Health Fiber Fiber comes from plant foods so there is no fiber in animal products such as milk, eggs, meat, poultry, and fish. Fiber is the indigestible part of plant foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes. When you consume dietary fiber, most of it passes through the intestines and is not digested. For good health, adults need to try to eat 25 to 30 grams of fiber each day. Most Americans do not consume nearly enough fiber in their diet, so while it is wise to aim for this goal, any increase in fiber in your diet can be beneficial. Most of us only get about ½ what is recommended. 76 January 2013 road to health 0113.indd 2 By Ann Marie Coppen PhD, FNP. Nurse Practioner Fiber contributes to digestive health, helps to keep you regular and helps to make you feel full and satisfied after eating. Good sources of dietary fiber include: • Beans and legumes. Think black beans, kidney beans, pintos, chick peas (garbanzos), white beans, and lentils. • Fruits and vegetables, especially those with edible skin (for example, apples, corn and beans) and those with edible seeds (for example, berries). • Whole grains: look for whole grain as first ingredient on nutrition label • Nuts — try different kinds. Peanuts, walnuts and almonds are a good source of fiber and healthy fat, but watch portion sizes, because they also contain a lot of calories in a small amount. BestDriverJOBS www.bestdriverjobs.com 12/6/12 10:07 AM