A health expert in Dallas County shares advice about how crucial fiber is to our diets.

According to Community Health Educator Natalie Peters, dietary fiber is a carb primarily found in plant-based foods, and the body doesn’t fully digest it. She confirms that there are two kinds of fiber, with soluble and insoluble. Peters says that soluble fiber dissolves in water and is helpful to lower cholesterol and control blood sugar, while insoluble fiber provides assistance by moving food through your digestive system. She elaborates on the benefits it gives to your body.

“Fiber works to improve digestion, it prevents constipation, helps you to maintain a healthy weight, and then supports overall gut health. It can also lower the risk of some chronic conditions like heart disease, stroke, and type two Diabetes.”

Peters notes that some easy ways to increase fiber intake is to eat whole fruits, choosing whole grain breads, pasta, and rice; adding beans or lentils into dishes consisting of salads and soups, and selecting healthier snacks such as air popped popcorn, raw vegetables, and nuts. She concludes that women should be getting approximately 25 grams of fiber per day, while men are at 38 grams.