Dietitians Flag 5 Low-Fiber Foods as Only 5% of Americans Meet Daily Targets
Updated
Updated · HuffPost · Jul 2
Dietitians Flag 5 Low-Fiber Foods as Only 5% of Americans Meet Daily Targets
1 articles · Updated · HuffPost · Jul 2
Summary
Only 5% of Americans get recommended daily fiber, dietitians said, with most people consuming about 10 to 15 grams versus targets of 25 to 34 grams.
Fiber matters beyond digestion because it can steady blood sugar, lower LDL cholesterol, improve fullness and is linked to lower risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers.
1 cup of romaine has about 1 gram of fiber, a celery stalk about 0.5 gram, watermelon 0.6 gram per cup, and Greek yogurt and cottage cheese contain none despite healthy reputations.
10 grams in an avocado, 15 grams in a cup of lentils or black beans, and 8 grams in a cup of raspberries make those foods stronger swaps; experts also urged keeping peels on produce.
Whole-food fiber sources are preferred over supplements, and dietitians advised increasing intake gradually and drinking plenty of water to avoid bloating or constipation.