Mention dietary fiber and it’s for certain that stories about its benefits to the digestive tract won’t be far behind. However, this indigestible form of carbohydrates primarily found in plants is not all about the prevention of constipation, diverticulosis and colon cancer. Dietary fiber is something that is not only good for the gut but for the rest of your body as well.
Dietary fiber is beneficial to individuals suffering from diabetes and heart disease. The consumption of food packed with it is ideal for obese people. Health authorities also say that dietary fiber helps in dealing with chronic inflammation, something that’s commonly blamed for an assortment of problems ranging from exhaustion, acne, joint pain to deadly cancer.
Needless to say, the inclusion of sufficient amounts of dietary fiber in your everyday meals is so important. It’s a good thing that you are not going to have a hard time doing so because this nutrient is offered by so many fiber-rich foods.
Beans
Lima, garbanzo, kidney, white, yellow, mung, pinto and the rest of the bean family are naturally loaded with dietary fiber. Other than that, they are also excellent sources of amino acids, building blocks of protein commonly found in meat.
Peas
No matter if fresh, dried, frozen or canned, peas will always remain as fantastic sources of health-giving dietary fiber. The nicest thing about peas is the different varieties can be added into soups, stews, salads, casseroles and many other dishes.
Green Leafy Vegetables
When the subject matter is dietary fiber, it’s no secret that green leafy vegetables have plenty of it. Other than dietary fiber, a lot of these vegetables are packed with immune-boosting vitamins, minerals, plant enzymes and antioxidants.
Brassica Vegetables
Sulfur in various brassica vegetables such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, kale and cauliflower makes these super foods posses antimicrobial and anticancer properties. Certainly, all of them are loaded with vitamins, minerals and lots of dietary fiber.
Berries
Among all the fruits on the planet, berries are revered the most when it comes to antioxidant content. Aside from the fact that they are loaded with these nutrients that counteract free radicals, berries also supply the body with dietary fiber.
Fruits
Whether fresh or dried, fruits provide your body with dietary fiber as well as vitamins and minerals. Try not to peel the ones with edible skins to ensure you are consuming parts where the largest concentration of fiber can be found.
Whole Grains
What makes whole grains recommended by health authorities is the fact that they contain all the health-giving benefits of grains. Because they are not processed, you can still enjoy all the vitamins, minerals and most especially dietary fiber.
Nuts and Seeds
Other than dietary fiber, both nuts and seeds are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids that energize your body and protect the cardiovascular system. They are also loaded with protein as well as plant-based compounds known as phytochemicals.
