As most of us are now getting settled into the spring season and its longer, warmer days, there is much more that springtime has to offer in terms of our health. With the improvement in climate, we have access to more fresh fruits and vegetables that provide our bodies with important nutrients. Amongst these important nutrients is fiber. As Americans, we spend too much time consuming protein-rich meals, but don’t get enough fiber in our diets, which can have adverse effects on our health.
Fiber is necessary in our diets for a healthy digestive system, supporting healthy blood cholesterol, and promoting healthy glucose levels, but provides several other health benefits. A recent study conducted at The University of Leads in England found that increasing your fiber intake may lead to lower stroke risk. The research analyzed eight group studies from the US, Europe, Australia, and Japan between 1990 and 2012, finding that total dietary fiber intake was inversely associated with risk for stroke and by adding just 7 grams per day to your diet, the risk of stroke was reduced by about 7%.1 This study also added that high-income countries, such as the US, are the populations that need fiber the most and adding as little as an apple to your daily food intake could benefit your health.
You may be asking, how much fiber is necessary in my diet. According the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, the recommended fiber intake is 25g for women and 38g form men, per day. However, the average American only consumes 15g per day.
There are many foods that are fiber-rich other than fruits and vegetables, such as oats, legumes, and nuts, but eating more fruits and veggies will not only help with your fiber intake, it will also add lots of vitamins, antioxidants and minerals to your diet. A few fiber-rich fruits and vegetables are: raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, apples, pears, prunes, dried figs, guava, avocado, spinach, collard greens, kale, zucchini squash, acorn squash, turnip greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage. Just to name a few.
You can also easily increase your fiber intake by adding Slender FX Food Fiber to your meals. This is an easy alternative when fresh produce is not easily accessible and it’s so simple to use!
A healthy body starts with a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables! If you missed last night’s Healthy Body Challenge call, check it out HERE for more on adding healthy food to your diet!
Rocio RamosContributing Writer
Youngevity Marketing Team
