Eat Right

Dietary Fiber: Essential for a Healthy Diet

March is colon cancer awareness month. One way to help prevent colon cancer is to get enough fiber in your diet.

Dietary fiber — found mainly in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes — is probably best known for its ability to prevent or relieve constipation. But, foods containing fiber can provide other health benefits as well, such as helping to maintain a healthy weight and lowering your risk of diabetes and heart disease.

How much fiber do you need? The Institute of Medicine, which provides science-based advice on matters of medicine and health, gives these daily recommendations for adults:

High Dietary Fiber Recipes: 

Cranberry-Walnut Oatmeal

Black Bean Wrap

Southwestern Potato Skins

Strawberry Shortcake