Foods That Are High In Fiber - And Others That Aren't
Key Points:
- Despite the popularity of protein, most Americans fall short on fiber intake, with only about 5% meeting the recommended daily amount of 25-34 grams, while the average consumption is 10-15 grams.
- Fiber is vital for health, supporting digestion, stabilizing blood sugar, reducing LDL cholesterol, and lowering risks of cardiometabolic diseases and some cancers, including colorectal cancer.
- Commonly consumed foods like lettuce, celery, watermelon, and peeled fruits and vegetables contain less fiber than many assume, though they still offer other nutritional benefits.
- Dairy products such as cottage cheese and Greek yogurt provide protein but no fiber, so pairing them with high-fiber plant foods like raspberries, chia seeds, or nuts is recommended.
- To boost fiber intake, incorporate fiber-rich whole foods such as avocados, beans, lentils, raspberries, quinoa, broccoli, pears, and chia seeds, emphasizing a variety of sources to obtain both soluble and insoluble fiber.