Filling up on fiber may save your heart: The more total, insoluble, and fruit and vegetable fiber that you consume, the lower your risk of both coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease, a new UK study reports.
While the traditional explanation for fiber's benefits has been its ability to lower blood cholesterol, recent studies suggest fiber may actually help feed the good bacteria that live in your large intestine, explains Christopher Gardner, Ph.D., professor of medicine at the Stanford Prevention Research Center. The more fiber you eat, the more bugs you produce to keep your metabolism and body healthy--including your heart.
The United States Department of Agriculture recommends eating 38 grams per day, and since different bugs eat different types of fiber, it's important to ensure you're eating a diversity of foods, adds Gardner.
Since both animal products and processed foods are void of the nutrient, stick to a variety of whole food s, like nuts, grains, vegetables, and fruit. And you don't have to go all out: The study found that adding just 7 grams of fiber per day significantly lowered participants risk for both types of heart disease.
So which foods are best to eat? Check out this list to see which foods are full of fiber.
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