Why is fiber so important? It's good because we can't use it. Does that confuse you? Here's what that means. If your body can't use something you eat, it goes through your system. So foods with lots of fiber pass through and don't stay in your body as fat. And while the fiber is passing through, your body digests other substances more slowly and evenly.

Fiber slows down the absorption of carbohydrates, such as glucose.  When the absorption of glucose is slowed down, this can reduce blood glucose level spikes. Fiber also slows the emptying of food from your stomach into the intestine; this will make the body feel full longer.

Fiber can be found in whole grains, oats, cereals, brown rice, nuts, beans, lentils and whole fruits and vegetables.

Published 07/24/09