Fiber

What is fiber and why is it essential to a healthy diet?
    I found that fiber is actual a non digestible starch! I knew fiber kept you "regular" but the reason's for that were unknown to me. Turns out that fiber is a group of bonds that cannot be broken down by our large intestine. This nutrient would promote "good" bacterial growth and increase heart health by lowering levels of cholesterol. Fiber has been found to decrease levels of insulin concentration in those at risk for type 2 diabetes and increase levels of "fullness" or fulfillment with food. Research has suggested that those with a high fiber intake have lower risks for obesity/cancer and other illness! Too much fiber however can find you taking many trips the the bathroom, cramping and loss of some vitamins.  Foods that have high concentration of fiber would be edibles like your fruits and veggies, however it is your Legumes (beans) that have your highest levels of fiber 15g for a cup compared to a cup of blackberries which only has 8g. So load up on those veggies beans and all natural foods, to increase your fiber intake keeping you full and energized throughout the day! Women are recommended to have 25g daily and men 38g.