Healthy ‘Superpower’ Nutrient That Doctors Love
Health experts emphasize that fiber is a critical nutrient for heart health, weight management, and gut health, yet most Americans fail to consume enough. Increasing intake of whole grains, beans, and fruits can help lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar levels.
Why it matters
Dietary fiber is a simple, accessible intervention for preventing chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes, which are major public health concerns.
Diet is one of the best ways to prevent heart disease, yet most Americans miss out on the health benefit of one nutrient that’s key for heart health. It’s also important for a healthy gut and can help with weight loss. There are tasty ways to incorporate this nutrient into your life, but you won’t get enough of it if your diet is filled with fast food, processed food, or overly focuses on protein and lacks produce. Heart Health Tip of the Day: Eat More Fiber “Fiber is a heart superpower,” Dr. Ian Smith, a physician and author of “Eat Your Age,” said on TODAY. “It lowers that bad cholesterol, that LDL.” Adults should eat 25-38 grams of fiber, but 95% of Americans don’t get the recommended daily intake, says registered dietitian Natalie Rizzo, nutrition editor for TODAY.
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