When someone tells you that you need more fiber in your diet, do you immediately think of bran muffins? Not to disparage bran muffins, but you can do better than that. A diet high in fiber can be surprisingly varied and delicious. And the benefits go way beyond keeping you regular, though that is one big advantage.
Dietary fiber helps lower LDL cholesterol (the so-called “bad” cholesterol), stabilizes blood sugar, and can reduce inflammation, explains Amy Bragagnini, board-certified oncology nutrition specialist and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
And because foods that have a lot of fiber in them make you feel more satisfied with less food, they can help you maintain your weight. A high-fiber diet is also associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer, adds Heather Hodson, clinical nutritionist at NYU Langone’s Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease.
