Why Fiber is so Good for You

Sure, you've heard that fiber is good for you, but do you know why? Four key benefits come from eating a diet rich in fiber.

1. Fiber slows the rate that sugar is adsorbed into the bloodstream. When you eat foods high in fiber -- such as beans and whole grains -- the sugar in those foods is absorbed slower, which keeps your blood glucose levels from rising too fast. This is good for you because spikes in glucose fall rapidly, which can cause you to be hungry soon after eating and lead to overeating.

2. Fiber makes your intestines move faster. When you eat whole grains rich in insoluble fiber, it moves faster through your intestines, which can help signal that you are full.

3. Fiber cleans your colon -- acting like a scrub brush. The scrub-brush effect of fiber helps clean out bacteria and other buildup in your intestines, and reduces your risk for colon cancer.

4. Fiber helps keep you regular. A high-fiber diet helps you have soft, regular bowel movements, reducing constipation.

Adding Fiber to Your Family's Diet

The benefits of fiber described above are important for both you and your child. The entire family should eat a diet rich in fiber. To add fiber to your family's diet, include the following foods. Check the food label for the grams of dietary fiber to find breads, cereals and other foods high in fiber.

• Whole grain breads with at least 3 grams of fiber per serving. Choosing whole wheat bread is not enough, as many varieties of whole wheat bread have very little fiber. Make sure to check the fiber content by reading the nutrition label.

• Cereals with at least 5 grams of fiber per serving. To find high-fiber cereals look for those made from whole grains, bran and rolled oats. Check the nutrition label to make sure it has enough fiber.

• Brown rice is brown because it still has the husk, which is the fiber. White rice does not have any fiber because the husks have been removed.

• Beans and legumes are a great source of both fiber and protein.

• Fruits and vegetables also contain fiber. This is another reason that eating fruit is much better for you than drinking juice, which does not contain fiber.

More Information:

• Childhood Obesity
• Healthy Diet Tips
• Get Active

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated May 8, 2007

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or health care provider. We encourage you to discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you may have.