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Dietary fiber does a lot of good things. It helps you feel full, keeps you regular, and may help prevent heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Sure, bran cereal is loaded with it, but you might be surprised to see what other foods can help provide your daily dose.
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1Navy Beans
Beans are exceptionally rich in fiber, and navy beans, with 19 grams of fiber per cup, top the list of healthy legumes. Men need 38 grams of fiber a day. A bowl of hearty navy bean soup will go a long way toward getting you there.
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2Raspberries
Start your morning with a cup of sweet, flavorful raspberries. They're small in size but big in fiber; one cup provides 8 grams. Women should aim for 25 grams of fiber a day.
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3Artichokes
The average daily fiber intake of adults in the U.S. is only 15 grams, far short of the recommended amount. To get more, look to the artichoke. One medium artichoke or three-quarters cup of artichoke hearts provides 10 grams of fiber.
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4Pears
Pears, along with apples, dates, oranges, and some other fruits, are high in soluble fiber. This type of fiber helps lower cholesterol by preventing its absorption by the digestive tract. A medium pear has about 5 grams of fiber. Remember, enjoy pears and apples unpeeled because the skin and underlying pectin are a major fiber source.
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5Almonds
Among tree nuts, almonds are the richest in fiber, making them a good snack choice. A one-ounce portion (about 24 nuts) contains a respectable 3.5 grams of fiber.
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6Sweet Potatoes
Flavorful sweet potatoes are worth eating all year round, not just at Thanksgiving. A baked sweet potato boasts nearly 5 grams of fiber.
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7Oats
Oatmeal and oat bran contain a soluble fiber called beta-glucan, which has been shown to lower cholesterol and risk for heart disease. A bowlful of oatmeal—one cup—nets you 4 grams of fiber.
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8Whole Wheat Pasta
Its hearty flavor and firm "bite" aren't for everyone, but with more than 6 grams of fiber in a one-cup serving, whole wheat pasta is a great way to boost your fiber intake. And compared to white pasta's mere 2.5 grams per cup, it's really no contest.