Fiber: The Superstar Nutrient via HealthfulHabitat.com

Prune juice, Metamucil, bran flakes; all great sources of fiber, but not so exciting for the taste buds.  Our feature today comes from Healthful Habitat and dietetic intern Marlee Finkelstein.  In her article she explains the benefits of a plant-based diet and how to add foods high in fiber to your diet.  Meat eaters fear not, you don’t need to give up your carnivorous inclinations.  Simply enhancing meals with things like nuts, fruits (with skins and peels), and whole grains will help you drop pounds, lower cholesterol, and live a healthful vibrant life.  Read on for the scoop.

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The health benefits of a plant-based diet are well known. A plant-based diet is one that is packed with essential nutrients and most importantly, provides the body with loads of fiber! But before I tell you all about fiber’s benefits, I have to address what I know you are thinking…

Photo credit: smartypantsvitamins.com

“Why would I give up meat?”   You don’t! In fact, adopting a plant-based diet does not mean you have to subtract anything from your diet! It means incorporating more fruits, vegetables, legumes (beans, peas, lentils, etc.), nuts, seeds, and whole grains into your daily meals. By recommending a plant-based diet, I am simply suggesting that you ADD these foods to your meals. This not only gives your meals more variety, but also provides extremely healthful benefits.

Why healthier?    As I mentioned, plant-based foods are ones that come from… wait for it…. plants! All plant-based foods contain zero cholesterol and are packed with nature’s miraculous nutrient: fiber.

Why is fiber so amazing?

•  It helps your body move food through your digestive system, promoting regularity and preventing constipation
•  It helps keep you fuller longer, without adding extra calories to your daily allowance (aiding in weight loss and weight maintenance)
• It helps control your blood sugar (preventing type 2 diabetes)
• It helps to lower your cholesterol (preventing cardiovascular disease)
• It reduces your risk of colon cancer

Yes, I am telling you, fiber is the superstar nutrient!

The full article is here.