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: 123
Related Articles
By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer
January 29, 2026 at 09:50am. Views: 797
Come check out Flight Deck Bike Park!
Flight Deck Bike Park is the largest Velosolutions pump track in Southern California.
By Charmaine Mislang, Community Writer
March 10, 2026 at 01:27pm. Views: 369
AI-generated image of a family of four sitting at a kitchen table, looking together at a laptop while holding CalFresh informational materials and an application form. The adults and children appear engaged and focused, suggesting they are reviewing or applying for food assistance benefits.
By William Cortez, Contributing Writer
March 10, 2026 at 01:27pm. Views: 389
A San Bernardino County Transitional Assistance Mobile Office vehicle is parked outdoors as a staff member stands in the doorway assisting a woman holding a tote bag. The vehicle displays information about applying for CalWORKs, CalFresh and Medi-Cal, highlighting mobile services available to county residents.
By Cynthia Baker, Contributing Writer
March 10, 2026 at 01:27pm. Views: 472
Taken on July 22, 2025: The MD class of 2029 MD took the Hippocratic Oath and received their white coats, symbolizing entrance into the medical profession.
"This class brings the largest number of Inland Empire-based students to a CUSM MD class," said Paul Lyons, MD, President and Dean of California University of Science and Medicine. "It is core to our mission to support the communities of the Inland Empire in terms of education and health accessibility. Admitting qualified IE-based students is a major part of bringing our mission to life."
By Jesus Ocegueda, Community Writer
March 10, 2026 at 01:27pm. Views: 361
Chelsea Evans, founder of Honey Butter Brittle by Heavenly Delights Company, smiles while holding packages of her homemade honey butter brittle. Her small-batch treats are known for their soft, creamy texture and variety of bold, handcrafted flavors.
By Richard Lee, Community Writer
March 10, 2026 at 01:27pm. Views: 392
Students from Paul J. Rodgers Elementary School sit together on a classroom rug, while a volunteer from It's Boba Time holds up a colorful children’s book, during a story-time activity.
By Dr. Timothy Jenkins, Community Writer
March 10, 2026 at 01:27pm. Views: 459
By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer
March 10, 2026 at 01:27pm. Views: 336
GTHS Athlete of the Week: Samyah Green
By Colonel John Morris, Community Writer
March 10, 2026 at 01:27pm. Views: 433
Col John Morris is a retired Air Force Officer with over 40 years of combined military and civilian service to his country.
By Ruby Stephenson, Contributing Writer
March 10, 2026 at 01:27pm. Views: 353
A barbershop chair sits beside a wall mural featuring large scissors and the logo for Upmost Barbershop inside the shop.
By Ruby Stephenson, Contributing Writer
March 10, 2026 at 01:27pm. Views: 231
Three children play basketball on an indoor court, with one child dribbling the ball while the others move nearby.
In Moreno Valley, there’s never a dull moment—especially when it comes to sports and recreation!
By Ruby Stephenson, Contributing Writer
March 10, 2026 at 01:27pm. Views: 413
After closing on February 19, due to several Life Safety and Fire Protection violations, the Moreno Valley Mall is now permitted to reopen.