The American Heart Association Eating Plan suggests eating a variety of food fiber sources. Fiber is important for the health of the digestive system as well as for lowering cholesterol.
Foods containing fiber are good sources of other essential nutrients.
Depending on the method of preparation, these foods are typically also low in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol. Fruits, vegetables, whole-grain and fortified foods, beans and legumes are good sources of dietary fiber, both soluble and insoluble. Total dietary fiber intake should be 25-30 grams a day from food, not supplements. Current dietary fiber intakes among adults in the United States average about 15 grams, or half the recommended amount. Dietary fiber is the term used for several materials that make up the parts of plants your body can't digest.