Fiber is an important part of a healthy diet and can help regulate blood glucose levels, blood sugar, and promote weight loss. Foods that are rich in fiber often have a firm texture, but there are some softer foods, such as berries and avocados, that contain surprisingly high amounts of fiber.
Although fiber aids the digestive tract, much of it is not digested but passes through the system. There are two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. The soluble fiber becomes a gel in the stomach and slows down digestion. This prevents fats and sugars from food reaching the system too quickly and raising glucose and cholesterol levels.
Insoluble fiber passes right through the system and can make the stools smoother, preventing constipation. Eating enough fiber allows your body to rid itself of waste more efficiently and can provide benefits to the intestines and the digestive tract.
1 Dark Chocolate
Many people think of chocolate as an occasional indulgence, given its high sugar, fat, and calorie content, but if you indulge in chocolate anyway, at least you can feel better about your treatment. Dark chocolate has numerous health benefits and can be beneficial for the heart. In a British study, those who consumed 3.5 ounces of dark chocolate a day had fewer heart problems than those who didn’t consume any chocolate.
In addition to the other benefits of this favorite dessert food, dark chocolate has significant amounts of heart-healthy fiber. Chocolate contains 11 grams of fiber per 100 ounces. Combine chocolate with other fiber-rich foods, such as whole wheat flour or oats for cookies that are not only delicious but provide the benefits of fiber to your diet. Chocolate also has antioxidants that can fight free radicals that can promote aging and cell deterioration.