No alternate text on picture! - define alternate text in image properties Fabulous Fiber^*?

According to the American Dietetic Association, the average American’s daily intake of fiber^* is only half of the recommended amount. Yet, fiber^* is filling and contains very few calories, which can help us manage our weight.  Fiber^* also assists in the lowering of cholesterol^*, can aid in the fight against certain types of cancers and may help to prevent both heart disease and diabetes.  With this track record, it is no wonder that the USDA 2005 Dietary Guidelines recommend 14 grams of fiber^* per 1,000 calories.  Which means a standard daily diet consisting of 2,000 calories should contain 28 grams of fiber^*; the amount of fiber^* should increase as the caloric count increases.

Where Is It Hiding?

When many of us think of fiber^* it brings to mind the coarse, gritty and indigestible parts of vegetables and fruits. But fiber^* comes in many forms.  The crunchy woody texture of a carrot is due to fiber^*, but it is also fiber^* that gives jams and jellies their soft gummy texture.  Even a smooth, creamy avocado contains more fiber^* than an unpeeled apple!  No alternate text on picture! - define alternate text in image propertiesThe variety in fiber^* not only provides a lot of great tasting foods to choose from as a source of fiber^*, but each source is used in our bodies in a unique way, providing the various health benefits.  With the growing popularity of the benefits of fiber^*, it is showing up in foods that previously contained little or no fiber^*.  While fruits, vegetables and whole grain^* foods are the most natural sources of fiber^*, fiber^* is also added to prepared foods and baked goods, like breads, for an extra fiber^* boost.  If you don’t already, you’ll want to begin looking at the nutrition panel of the foods you buy most often and see just how much fiber^* is in there.  Add up the grams of fiber^* listed on the nutrition panels of all the foods you eat during the day and check the total against the USDA recommendations.  Not all foods have a nutrition panel, such as an apple, homemade casserole or dessert, so go to www.mypyramid.gov and click on “my pyramid tracker”.  You’ll be able to assess your food intake by entering in the foods you have eaten during the day.  The tracker will evaluate the food types and portions and tell you the amount of fiber^* and other nutrients you’ve consumed throughout the day.