Quite often we hear others talking about how important fiber is for a healthy diet; but how so? Well for starters, dietary fiber, also commonly referred to as roughage or bulk, is a type of carbohydrate that can not be digested by the human body.  Instead, it remains intact as it passes through and out of your body. Fiber has various nutritional benefits and eating a diet that consists of fibrous foods helps to contribute to a healthy lifestyle. 

 If you are looking to improve and incorporate more fiber into your diet, consider speaking with a holistic nutritionist in Nassau County.  At the Integrative Cardiology Center of Long Island, we can teach you how to incorporate fiber into your diet and to help you maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Health Benefits 

Eating a high-fiber diet has a variety of health benefits. Here are some of the ways that fiber contributes to a healthy lifestyle:

  • Lower Cholesterol Levels: Fibrous foods help to lower overall cholesterol levels by lowering the low-density lipoprotein levels, or the “bad” cholesterol levels in our blood.  A holistic nutritionist in Nassau County may also point out that fibrous foods can have other heart-healthy benefits such as lowering blood pressure levels and decreasing inflammation. 
  • Better Control Over Blood Sugar Levels: Fiber helps to slow the absorption of sugar in our blood which can be very beneficial in helping to control blood sugar levels for those with diabetes.  Also, maintaining a high-fibrous diet can help minimize the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
  • Maintain a Healthy Weight: More fibrous foods tend to be much more filling than low-fibrous foods and will keep your hunger satisfied for longer periods of time.
  • Live Longer: Those who eat high-fiber diets have been shown to have a lower risk of dying due to certain cancers and cardiovascular disease. 
  • Normalized Bowel Movements: Fiber helps to solidify your stool and therefore decreasing your chances of constipation.  
  • Maintain Proper Bowel Health: A fibrous diet helps to decrease the risk of getting hemorrhoids or diverticulitis and a potentially lower risk of getting colorectal cancer.

 

What Foods Are High in Fiber?

Some foods that are rich in fiber and great to add to your diet are fruits, vegetables, beans and legumes, and nuts and seeds.  Be wary that refined or processed foods such as canned fruits and vegetables, and white bread or pasta are either low in fiber or combat the many benefits fiber provides. 

 

Can a holistic nutritionist in Nassau County help?

If you are looking to make changes to your diet and learn more on how to eat more fiber, speak with a holistic nutritionist in Nassau County to get the proper help you need.  The Integrative Cardiology Center of Long Island consists of experienced professionals who are ready to help you improve your diet. Here we can help you get the most health benefits as possible out of your diet and help you live a healthier lifestyle.  Consider seeing a holistic nutritionist in Nassau County to learn more about how a fibrous diet can affect your health. Contact us for more information!