If your doctor didn't give you this advice at your last checkup, she probably should have: 97 percent of Americans don't get the recommended daily amount of dietary fiber they need to stay healthy. But what is fiber, and why is it good for you? Dietary fiber, sometimes called "roughage," is a plant-based carbohydrate found in fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds and whole grains such as rice and wheat. Our bodies have a difficult time digesting fiber, which is actually a good thing - as fiber passes through the body undigested, it does a lot of good along the way! Fiber has many proven health benefits. It has been shown to improve heart health, lower cholesterol, control blood sugar, decrease the risk of stroke, help you feel fuller longer, prevent constipation and boost digestive health and your immune system. Experts like the Food and Drug Administration recommend we consume about 28 grams of fiber each day - which, it turns out, is a lot of food. You'd have to eat about 94 baby carrots, 47 stalks of celery, or 15 slices of whole-wheat bread to get your daily dose of fiber from food alone. To help people get the fiber they need, the FDA has approved seven ingredients that can be taken as supplements or added to food to boost the amount of dietary fiber they contain. One of those ingredients you may find on your food label is cellulose gel, or microcrystalline cellulose. Cellulose gel is derived from cellulose, an essential component of fruits, vegetables and trees. In fact, cellulose is so important to plants in nature, it is the most abundant organic compound on Earth. Cellulose gel offers the same great health benefits as the dietary fiber we find in fruits, vegetables and whole grains and can be found in foods such as yogurt, cereal bars and protein shakes. So when cellulose gel or microcrystalline cellulose appears on your food label, it means you're getting the same plant fiber found in broccoli and apples - without having to eat a lot of broccoli and apples (and without the hassle of cooking and meal planning).
Fiber: What It Is and Why You Need More of It in Your Diet
August 16, 2017 at 01:48pm. Views: 241
Related Articles
By Sadie Collins, Community Writer
July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 849
Pedestrians walk past locally owned shops and outdoor cafés in a vibrant downtown district, illustrating how small businesses contribute to economic growth, community pride, and a welcoming environment in San Bernardino.
By Sadie Collins, Community Writer
July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 732
Hikers enjoy scenic trails and panoramic views from Blue Mountain Open Space in Grand Terrace, one of the city's most treasured natural landmarks and recreational destinations.
By Grant Walker, Community Writer
July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 547
Families and children participate in educational activities at a public library, reflecting the Grand Terrace Branch Library's commitment to lifelong learning and community engagement.
By Grant Walker, Community Writer
July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 651
Residents enjoy a tree-lined walking path and community park, reflecting Loma Linda's long-standing commitment to healthy outdoor living.
By Nolan Hayes, Community Writer
July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 651
Local business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members gather for a networking luncheon focused on economic development and collaboration.
By Sadie Collins, Community Writer
July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 673
Healthcare professionals lead a community wellness program designed to educate residents about healthy living and preventive care.
By Caleb Foster, Community Writer
July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 625
Children and families gather at a public library to enjoy story time, browse books, and participate in educational activities during the summer.
By William Cortez, Community Writer
June 26, 2026 at 07:56am. Views: 1401
Totally Kids Rehabilitation Hospital’s pediatric subacute program has become the only program
of its kind in California to earn the Bronze Commitment to Quality Award from the American
Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living
By Highland Glo MedSpa, Contributing Writer
June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 1528
Claudia Torres, Aesthetics Consultant, Mairah Angulo, Aesthetics Consultant, Jill Ali, FNP-C (Provider), Dr. Namita Mohideen, MD, CEO, Dr. Kelly Jeu, MD, Provider, Dr. Jose Arciniega, DO, Provider, Ilsse Castillo, Office Manager, Alexia Sanchez, Office Manager
By Carl M. Dameron, Contributing Writer
June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 1399
Photo caption: The Civil Rights Institute Board of Directors and the community celebrate the Woman of Achievement Awardee. Photo L to R: Ken Gutierrez, The Civil Rights Institute Board Member; Kathy Wright, Community Leader; Sabrina Gonzalez, Civil Rights Institute Executive Director; Launa Wilson, The Civil Rights Institute Board President; Q'Vinc Asberry, The Civil Rights Institute Board Member; Irma Asberry, Community Leader/Retired Judge, Superior Court of Riverside County.
By Carl M. Dameron, Contributing Writer
June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 1017
Valdez Educational Services President Aaron Valdez, SBCUSD ETSA Wil Greer, Ionatauna Asu, Student, Equity guest teacher Fernando Tanioka, then Equity Counselor Francine Blacksher, celebrate Asu’s achievement, taking his grades from a low F to a high A, at An Evening of Excellence.
By Chamber Inducted new President , Community Writer
June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 1121
left to right -Nelky Rodriguez ( secretary) - Arnise Dejohnette ( board member)- Anna Juarez (board member) David Toro (Council member) Belen Cordero(Board member) - Javier Gomez (treasurer) City Manager -Mayor Frank Navarro- Brian Childstrom (Emeritus) Christina Gaitan (Coordinator) Shelley Burnach ( Vice President ) Lesley Stevens ( Board member) Frank Aguliar (president ) Matthew Hernandez (board member) Councilman Dr. G - Chief Vega Colton Police Department .