Tag

Fiber

All articles tagged with #fiber

Dietitian Names Beans as Top Plant Protein for Lowering Cholesterol
health2 days ago

Dietitian Names Beans as Top Plant Protein for Lowering Cholesterol

Registered dietitian Natalie Rizzo identifies beans as the premier plant-based protein for lowering LDL cholesterol due to their high soluble fiber content. Soluble fiber binds to cholesterol in the digestive tract, facilitating its removal from the body. Navy beans lead with over 9 grams of fiber per serving, followed by black and red adzuki beans at approximately 8 grams. Lentils and nuts are also recommended for their fiber and unsaturated fat profiles, which support heart health when replacing saturated fats.

Debunking the 'superfood' label: prioritize balance and variety on your plate
health21 days ago

Debunking the 'superfood' label: prioritize balance and variety on your plate

The piece argues that “superfood” is a marketing term with no official definition, and no single food can transform health. Instead, a nutritious diet comes from an overall pattern: plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, fiber-rich carbohydrates, and healthy fats, with minimal processing and limited added sugars, sodium, and saturated fat. Emphasize variety (colorful plates) and small, sustainable changes over time to support long-term health.

Probiotic Use Surges as Diets Lag on Fiber for Gut Health
health25 days ago

Probiotic Use Surges as Diets Lag on Fiber for Gut Health

A study using NHANES data shows probiotic supplement use rose dramatically from 2009 to 2023, while dietary fiber intake stayed largely unchanged, signaling a shift toward supplements without corresponding fiber-rich diet changes; experts say probiotics can help in some cases but cannot replace the diverse benefits of fiber-rich foods and a plant-forward eating pattern for gut health.

Psyllium Power: The proven fiber boost with gut, heart, and sugar benefits—and 3 tasty ways to use it
health1 month ago

Psyllium Power: The proven fiber boost with gut, heart, and sugar benefits—and 3 tasty ways to use it

Many Americans don’t meet daily fiber targets, but psyllium husk—a well-studied soluble fiber—can improve bowel regularity, help lower LDL cholesterol, and slow post-meal blood sugar spikes. The gel-forming action in the gut increases stool bulk, while starting with small amounts (about 2.5–5 g daily) and working up toward roughly 25–30 g of total daily fiber from a mix of sources; always take with plenty of fluids to avoid bloating or choking. The article also provides tips for palatability and three easy recipes—psyllium overnight oats, a cocoa mousse, and a berry banana smoothie—to help integrate psyllium into daily meals.

Fiber-Fueled Mediterranean Day: A Gut Health Scientist's Menu
health1 month ago

Fiber-Fueled Mediterranean Day: A Gut Health Scientist's Menu

A UK gut-health scientist who follows the Mediterranean diet aims for about 30 g of fiber daily and notes that fiber supports digestion, lowers cholesterol and balances blood sugar while feeding gut microbes to reduce cardiovascular, colorectal cancer, and diabetes risk. His typical day includes overnight oats soaked in kefir for breakfast, a lunch of whole-wheat pasta Greek salad, and a one-pot dinner of fatty fish with legumes and vegetables (often with whole-grain bread).

Add These Four Foods to Support Weight Loss, Say Dietitians
nutrition1 month ago

Add These Four Foods to Support Weight Loss, Say Dietitians

Weight loss isn’t about starving yourself. Dietitians recommend adding nutrient-dense foods to your plate to increase fullness and sustainability: prioritize protein from plant sources (beans, tofu, tempeh) with about 1.0–1.4 g of protein per kg of body weight daily during weight loss; boost fiber with beans, lentils, whole grains and fruits; fill meals with high-volume, low-calorie vegetables to add bulk and nutrients; include healthy unsaturated fats from nuts, seeds and avocado in moderation. Combined with strength training, this approach helps preserve lean mass, stabilize blood sugar, and reduce deprivation, making weight loss more achievable long-term.

Tariffs on Canadian Fiber May Elevate US Toilet Paper Prices
business1 month ago

Tariffs on Canadian Fiber May Elevate US Toilet Paper Prices

Trump’s 50% tariffs on Canadian toilet- and facial-tissue stock took effect after talks collapsed, potentially boosting Canada-derived long-fiber costs for US toilet-paper makers by up to about 11% and raising paper-towel costs by roughly 31%. Manufacturers may absorb some of the increase or switch to US-sourced fiber, so price hikes could be modest and unfold over ~2 months; if passed through, a 12-pack Charmin Ultra might rise to around $14.50 and Brawny towels to about $26. Canada plans retaliatory tariffs, intensifying cross-border paper-supply-chain disruption.

A Week of Blueberries: Tiny Berries, Big Health Hopes
health1 month ago

A Week of Blueberries: Tiny Berries, Big Health Hopes

Trying a daily 150g serving of blueberries for a week, the author finds the berries easy to add to meals and rich in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, and anthocyanins. While research hints that anthocyanin-rich foods may support blood‑vessel function, cardiometabolic health, and gut health, there’s no proof they prevent heart disease, diabetes, or cognitive decline. The piece notes blueberries can aid exercise recovery in small studies, are convenient as frozen or fresh, and are an affordable way to boost daily fiber intake; the author plans to keep the habit.

One Avocado a Day Could Lower LDL Cholesterol, Study Finds
health1 month ago

One Avocado a Day Could Lower LDL Cholesterol, Study Finds

A six-month trial of 786 adults with abdominal obesity found that adding one avocado daily to their diet reduced LDL cholesterol by about 49 nmol/L (roughly 4% lower risk of heart disease). The effect is attributed to avocado's monounsaturated fats, fiber, and phytosterols. Experts say avocados should be part of a broader heart-healthy lifestyle (vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, exercise) and not a magic bullet.

Power Fruits for Colon Health: 4 Picks from a Gastroenterologist
health1 month ago

Power Fruits for Colon Health: 4 Picks from a Gastroenterologist

A gastroenterologist notes that while no single fruit prevents colon cancer, a diverse, high-fiber, plant‑based diet including whole fruits may help reduce risk. The four fruits highlighted for colon health are berries (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries) for their fiber and polyphenols; apples with skin for fiber and beneficial compounds; citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits, lemons) for fiber, vitamin C, and flavonoids; and pears for fiber. Regularly consuming several servings of these fruits as part of a fiber‑rich diet may support gut health and potentially lower colorectal cancer risk, though more research is needed.

Fruit Sugar Isn’t the Villain: Whole Fruits May Improve Diabetes Markers
health1 month ago

Fruit Sugar Isn’t the Villain: Whole Fruits May Improve Diabetes Markers

New evidence shows that naturally occurring fruit sugar is not the same as added sugars. A 2026 meta-analysis found whole-fruit consumption is linked to lower HbA1c and fasting glucose in people with type 2 diabetes, and a BMJ analysis showed higher intake of several whole fruits is associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes; fruit juice is linked with higher risk. Health guidelines from ADA and Mayo Clinic favor whole fruit (fresh, frozen, or canned without added sugars) and pairing fruit with protein or fat to blunt blood sugar spikes.

A Day in 50g of Fiber: How a Gut Health Scientist Feeds Her Microbiome
health1 month ago

A Day in 50g of Fiber: How a Gut Health Scientist Feeds Her Microbiome

Megan Rossi, a gut health scientist and registered dietitian at King’s College London, aims for 50–60 grams of fiber daily—above the UK guideline of 30g—believing this level could boost mood and gut health by feeding the gut’s bacteria. Her day is built around high-fiber choices: a kefir-soaked overnight oats breakfast with seeds, fruit, and nuts; a lunch bowl aligning with her “Super Six” plant-based groups (grains, legumes, vegetables, nuts/seeds, fruits, herbs/spices), plus yogurt and olive oil; an afternoon smoothie packed with frozen fruits/vegetables and kefir; and a dinner stir-fry with protein, vegetables, and legumes, followed by frozen berries with kefir for dessert. She emphasizes gradual fiber increases to minimize bloating and relies on meal planning to hit fiber targets, highlighting the microbiome’s role in digestion, mood, and overall health while noting that more research is needed.

Fiber Duo: Beans and Whole Grains for a Healthier Gut and Longer Life
health1 month ago

Fiber Duo: Beans and Whole Grains for a Healthier Gut and Longer Life

Dietitians spotlight two high-fiber staples—beans and minimally processed whole grains like oats, quinoa, and brown rice—as essential for gut health and longevity. These foods slow digestion, promote fullness, stabilize blood sugar, and feed beneficial gut bacteria; pairing beans with whole grains yields a complete protein, while diversifying plant foods (nuts, cruciferous vegetables, colorful produce) boosts overall gut health and disease resistance.