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Fiber is one of those things we all know we need, however the majority of us still aren’t getting enough of it. Our diet is responsible for this, as many people today just don’t eat a diet that consists of foods rich in fiber. The western diet revolves around high caloric foods which really lack fiber, and suffer the health consequences as a result.
Fiber not only keeps us regular, but also helps us to fight against disease as well. These include various forms of cancer, especially within the digestive tract itself, obesity, diabetes, heart disease and other health issues.
Other important thing to consider when trying to get more fiber in your diet is the source. The more natural, the better. This means trying to avoid foods that have added fiber to them like certain breads, cereals and other processed foods which may contain additional fiber, but from poor sources. You don’t want to eat bread with added fiber from contaminated wheat fields, so make sure you know the source.
Black beans are one of the best sources of fiber we have available to us through our diets. It provides a tremendous amount in over 12 grams of fiber per a one cup serving. Black beans are also an extremely healthy food otherwise, and one you should be eating regularly.
Black beans are also a great source of protein, anti-oxidants, manganese, magnesium and phosphorus to name a few nutrients. This food is one of the most nutrient dense foods we have available to us, so put it to work for you.
Lentils are another great source of fiber on this list as well as being a great plant based source of protein, vitamins and minerals as well.
Lentils provide us with not only cancer fighting fiber at over 10 grams per serving, but is also a great source of folate as well. Folate otherwise known as vitamin B9, is essential in producing red blood cells and fighting diseases such as anemia.
Lentils are best eaten as an additive to soups, so add this healthy legume to your vegetable soup the next time around for the added benefits.