Dietary fiber is defined as any carbohydrate component of a plant or animal that resists digestion and absorption in the human small intestine. Although the human digestive tract does not digest dietary fiber, it does serve an important role in maintaining normal gastrointestinal function by serving as a substrate for the growth of beneficial intestinal microflora.
Dietary fiber can also lower blood cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. In addition to its effects on health, dietary fiber is often added to foods and beverages, either to improve their texture or appearance. In the U.S., dietary fiber intake is 20-30 grams per day to maintain good health. Many products containing dietary fiber have been developed recently to meet this goal, including breakfast cereals, snack foods, bread, pasta, fruits, vegetables, and beverages.
In this article, we’ll give you a list of the most important foods you want to include to increase your dietary fiber intake.
1) Avocado
They are rich in monounsaturated fats that can reduce bad cholesterol levels and even help to prevent heart disease. Avocados also contain high levels of dietary fiber and are a good source of potassium.
You get 10 grams of fiber for each cup of avocados, but they have a very high-calorie count, so you should be aware of that. Other nutrients you will find in fiber include folate, vitamin B6, vitamin E, and vitamin C.