Are You Getting Enough Fiber? (Guest Post)

The typical Western diet involves plenty of red meat, dairy and sugary foods. Very few individuals eat enough fruits or vegetables. This may leave many people deficient in a number of important vitamins and minerals.

Fiber may be one of the most critical substances that people fail to get enough of. A new report published in the International Journal of Food Safety, Nutrition and Public Health suggests that this may increase individuals’ vulnerability to diseases.

Experts from the Rain Forest Research Institute in India stated that increased fiber consumption has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes and digestive condition. However, despite the many health benefits of fiber, many people fail to consume enough, the group wrote.

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Consuming adequate quantities of dietary fiber can lead to improvements in gastrointestinal health, and reduction in susceptibility to diseases such as diverticular disease, heart disease, colon cancer, and diabetes,” the researchers wrote. “Increased consumption has also been associated with increased satiety and weight loss.”

They added that it should be relatively easy for individuals to get more fiber into their diets. It is found in many fruits and vegetables, the majority of which are readily available at most supermarkets and produce stores.

It’s no secret that obesity rates are rising in the U.S. As part of this trend, the number of people who suffer from diabetes and heart disease is also increasing. Dietary habits are a major contributor to the problem, as people too often opt for foods of little nutritional value. The conclusion of the report is that increasing the consumption of foods containing fiber could address the issue.

Apples have substantial amounts of fiber and are among the most commonly consumed sources of the nutrient. Green leafy vegetables like kale or spinach also have a lot of fiber. Berries are among the most fiber-packed foods out there. The list goes on. The bottom line is that most fruits and vegetables have fiber.

This means that there are no excuses for not getting enough. Fiber has been linked to profound health benefits and is found in many of the foods people should be eating anyway. Individuals who have chronic disease risk factors, including obesity and high cholesterol, may have a lot to gain from getting more fiber in their daily diet.

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Dahn Yoga is one of the largest yoga and tai chi companies in the world with its own unique style and brand of yoga. Dahn Yoga is rooted in the rich history of an ancient Asian mind-body practice, Sun Do, and in the wisdom of the Chun Bu Kyung.