Thursday, May 17, 2012

More Fiber = Longer Life!

    We already know the many benefits of fiber -- lower cholesterol, lower LDL, steadier blood sugar, and regularity, as well as a decreased risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and lung problems -- but now it appears that increasing our daily fiber intake to 25-30 grams a day might even help lengthen our lives.  I'm all ears!

     Check out the grams of fiber in the following sources:

     Beans (1 cup) -- 15 grams
     Peas (1 cup) -- 9 grams
     Raspberries (1 cup) -- 8 grams
     Broccoli (1 cup) -- 6 grams
     Pear (1 fruit) -- 5 grams
     Apple (1 fruit) -- 4 grams
     Corn (1 cup) -- 4 grams
     Oatmeal (1 cup) -- 4 grams
     Whole wheat bread (2 slices) -- 4 grams
     Almonds (1/4 cup) -- 4 grams

     And these are just a few of the fiber-rich goodies available.  Virtually every fruit and vegetable in your local produce department contains fiber, along with a host of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.  What better time of year than spring/summer to try a new one every time you go to the store.  You could be adding years to your life!

     Have an unusual vegetable recipe to share?  Please leave a comment!
     

3 comments:

Granny Blogger said...

Wouldn't it be nice to eat our way to lower cholesterol, rather than popping pills to make the drug companies richer!!!!!?????

Yum,yum. Keep up the good work, Mar.

Anonymous said...

Oroweat makes a DOUBLE FIBER whole wheat bread that I like - two slices contain 12 GRAMS of fiber! That's practically half of the the day's recommended intake! And it's good!

Miss Sara

Marilyn said...

Miss Sara, 12 grams of fiber per serving is HUGE -- thanks for that great tip!