High fiber foods are the kind of thing that most people don’t think about on a regular basis, which is unfortunate considering how much they can do for health and well-being.  Adding high fiber foods, including fiber drinks, to the diet can aid in digestion, promote healthy weight loss, and even lower risks for diseases like diabetes and cancer. 

With such benefits from high fiber foods, it’s hard to imagine why more people aren’t stocking their cupboards with all kinds of high fiber foods.

For years we’ve been hearing claims that tell us we’re not getting enough high fiber foods and that increasing our intake can have profound effects on our lives.  But, many people don’t actually even understand what good high fiber foods are, let alone why eating high fiber foods is a sensible thing to do.

Fiber itself is a naturally occurring substance that the body cannot digest.  The best high fiber foods are plants.  While the high fiber foods get chewed up and become very small, the fiber does not actually get absorbed into the body.  Instead, it passes from one end of the digestive system to the other, doing several very important jobs along the way.

1.    High fiber foods take a little longer to chew, meaning that they slow down the rate at which we are eating.  This gives the body time to recognize when it is full and helps prevent overeating and the subsequent weight gain.

2.    When the high fiber foods are swallowed and make their way to the stomach they mix with all the other food, slowing down the overall absorption of nutrients into the blood stream.  One thing that slows down is the absorption of sugar, which means it is absorbed at a more even rate, keeping the blood sugar level from spiking and crashing.  So, in addition to affecting moods and energy levels, high fiber foods also help prevent strain on the pancreas, which can lead to diabetes.

3.    The slower absorption of high fiber foods in the stomach also means that a person feels full for a longer period of time.  Again, this helps prevent overeating and weight gain.

4.    As the high fiber fiber foods continue through the digestive tract, the little particles actually brush the insides of the intestines, removing built-up waste materials.  This helps to prevent irritations that can lead to polyps and cancer, as well as getting rid of toxins that can lead to all types of illnesses.

5.    At the end of the digestive process, high fiber foods help to gather waste materials and move them out of the body.  A combination of high fiber foods and good hydration assure a healthy elimination process that keeps the body on track.

It is recommended that the average adult consume 25 to 35 grams of high fiber foods daily, yet most get about half that.  The best source of this substance is naturally occurring high fiber foods, although there are good fiber supplements that can be used, too. 

Fiber drinks are another alternative and they can make it even easier to consume the recommended daily amount of high fiber foods.

Author Profile - As one of the owners of BestHealthFoodStore.net, the online health food store for natural foods, fiber drinks and more, Cliff Smith educates consumers on the best ways to achieve natural weight loss and optimum fitness. He offers a wealth of free resources for visitors to learn more about high fiber foods and fiber supplements.

For more information:

Natural Weight Loss with High Fiber Foods - As Seen On Oprah

Choose High Fiber Foods as Healthy Snacks for Kids and Athletes

All Natural Foods and High Fiber Foods Are Ingredients for a Happy, Healthy Life

5 High Fiber Foods for 25-35 Grams of Daily Fiber

High Fiber Food Is Good For Your Mood and 5 Other Things - Eat Fiber Rich Foods for a Happy Life