Top 15 High-Fiber Foods to Improve Your Health
Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring, and one of the best ways to make sure you’re getting enough nutrients is by adding more high-fiber foods to your regular diet. High-fiber foods are essential for maintaining healthy digestion, as they help to move food through our digestive system efficiently.
Fiber-rich diets provide many health benefits including improved blood sugar levels and reduced risk of heart disease and even certain types of cancer!
In this blog post, we’ll go over 15 top high-fiber foods that you should include in your diet regularly to enjoy all the healthy benefits fiber has to offer. So keep reading if you want to learn about the important role these delicious fibers can play in your overall well-being!
What is fiber?
Fiber is a type of carbohydrate found in plants that the body cannot fully digest. Unlike other carbohydrates, fiber passes through the digestive system largely intact, providing several health benefits along the way. It’s an essential component of a healthy diet.
Types of Fiber
- Soluble Fiber:
- Dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance.
- Found in oats, apples, citrus fruits, and legumes.
- Benefits: Helps lower cholesterol, regulate blood sugar levels, and improve heart health.
- Insoluble Fiber:
- Does not dissolve in water.
- Found in whole grains, nuts, seeds, and vegetables like broccoli.
- Benefits: Adds bulk to stool, aids in digestion, and prevents constipation.
How Much Fiber Do You Need Per Day?
The recommended daily intake of fiber varies based on age and gender. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, adult men should aim for 38 grams of fiber per day, while women should aim for 25 grams. As we age, our fiber needs decrease slightly.
Top 15 High-Fiber Foods to Improve Your Health

Avocados
Avocados are a nutrient-dense fruit that is high in fiber, with about 6.7 grams per 100g avocados. In addition to fiber, avocados also contain vitamins and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and vitamin E.
They are also rich in healthy fats that can help to reduce inflammation and support heart health. Avocados can be eaten on their own or added to salads and sandwiches for an extra boost of nutrition.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are tiny but mighty when it comes to fiber content, with 10 grams per two-tablespoon serving or 34.4 per 100g. Chia seeds are also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help to reduce inflammation and improve heart health. They can be easily added to smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt, or baked goods for an extra boost of nutrition.
Lentils
Lentils are a type of legume that is high in fiber and offers about 10.7 grams of fiber per 100g lentils. Lentils are also a great source of plant-based protein and B vitamins such as folate and thiamine. They can be used in soups, stews, curries, salads, and more for an easy way to add extra nutrition to meals.
Black Beans
Black beans are another type of legume that is high in fiber, with 4.2 grams per 100g dry black bean. Black beans are also a great source of plant-based protein and B vitamins such as folate and thiamine. You can add Black beans in soups, stews, burritos, tacos, chili, and more for an easy way to add extra nutrition to meals.
Artichokes
Artichokes are a nutritious vegetable that is high in fiber with 5.4 grams per 100g artichoke. Artichokes have antioxidants that help protect the body from free radical damage caused by environmental toxins like pollution or UV radiation from the sun. You can boil or roast Artichokes for an easy side dish or add them to salads or pasta dishes for a nutritional boost!
Broccoli
Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that is high in fiber with 2.6 grams per 100g broccoli. You can steam or roast broccoli for an easy side dish or add it to salads or stir-fried dishes for a nutritious boost!
Peas.
Peas are small but mighty when it comes to fiber content; they contain 5.7 grams of fiber per 100g. You can steam or roast it for an easy side dish or add it to soups and stews for extra nutrition!
Oats
Oats have been linked to numerous health benefits due to their high amount of dietary fiber; 100g raw oat contains 10.6g of fiber. Oats contain both soluble and insoluble fibers which helps keep your digestive system running smoothly while providing essential nutrients like iron and zinc! You can cook it up as oatmeal for breakfast or add it to smoothies or baked goods as well!
Almonds
Almonds have been touted as one of the best sources of dietary fiber; they contain 13.3 grams per 100g. Almonds provide essential nutrients like Vitamin E which helps keep your skin looking healthy while providing essential fatty acids which help reduce inflammation in the body! Almonds make a great snack on their own but you can easily add to trail mix recipes as well!
Apples
Apples have long been known as “nature’s candy” due to their sweet taste; they contain 2.4 grams per 100g apples. Apples provide essential nutrients like Vitamin C which helps boost your immune system while providing essential pectin which helps keep your digestive system running smoothly! Apples make a great snack on their own but you can use it in baking recipes as well!
Read more: Health Benefits Of Apples
Pears.
Pears have been linked to numerous health benefits due to their high amount of dietary fiber; they contain 3.1 grams per medium pear (100g). Pears make a great snack on their own but can easily.
Berries
Berries are not only sweet and delicious but they are rich with fiber and antioxidants. Raspberries, for example, provide about 8 grams of fiber per cup – 6.5g of fiber per 100g raspberries and can be easily added to yogurt, oatmeal, or eaten as a snack.
Read more: Top 13 Health Benefits Of Blueberries
Potatoes
Potatoes may not be the first food that comes to mind when thinking about high-fiber foods, but they contain a decent amount of fiber, with 2.5 grams per 100g potato. You must know the skin of potatoes contains most of the fiber, so make sure to keep the skin on when cooking potatoes for maximum nutritional benefits. You can mash, roast, or bake potatoes and make a great addition to any meal.
Read more: Health Benefits Of Sweet Potatoes
Whole Grains
Whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat are all high in dietary fiber. Brown rice contains 1.8 grams per 100g of uncooked rice, quinoa contains 2.8 grams per 100g of cooked quinoa, and whole wheat bread contains 6.7 grams per 100g of bread. You can easily substitute whole grains for refined grains in meals such as stir-fries, salads, and soups to increase the fiber content and add nutrients.
Chickpeas
Chickpeas, commonly used in hummus, contain 7.6 grams per 100g canned chickpeas and can also be added to salads or roasted for a crunchy snack. Incorporating beans and legumes into your diet is not only great for your fiber intake but also provides a variety of vitamins and minerals.
Additional Tips for Increasing Fiber Intake
Now that you know some of the top high-fiber foods, you may be wondering how you can fit them into your regular meals and snacks. Here are a few tips:
- Start your day with a high-fiber breakfast by adding berries or chia seeds to your oatmeal, or avocado on whole wheat toast.
- Snack on raw veggies like carrots and broccoli with hummus for a fiber-rich mid-day snack.
- Swap out white pasta for whole wheat pasta in your favorite pasta dishes.
- Add beans or lentils to your soups, stews, and salads for an extra fiber boost.
- Incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables into every meal.
Remember, it’s important to increase your fiber intake gradually and drink plenty of water throughout the day. This will help prevent any digestive discomfort that may occur when you suddenly increase your fiber intake.
FAQs: Top 15 High-Fiber Foods to Improve Your Health
Q: Can I take a fiber supplement instead of incorporating high-fiber foods into my diet?
A: While supplements can be beneficial in some cases, it is always best to get your nutrients from whole foods whenever possible. High-fiber foods also provide a variety of other essential vitamins and minerals that supplements may not have.
Q: Are there any risks when consuming high amounts of fiber?
A: Consuming too much fiber can cause digestive discomfort such as bloating, gas, or constipation. It’s important to increase your fiber intake gradually and drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid these symptoms. If you have any digestive issues, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes in your diet.
Q: Can children benefit from increasing their fiber intake?
A: Yes, increasing fiber intake can be beneficial for children as well. However, it’s important to follow age-appropriate guidelines and consult with a pediatrician before making any significant changes in a child’s diet.
Q: Are there any contraindications for increasing fiber intake?
A: People with certain medical conditions such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or diverticulitis may need to monitor their fiber intake and consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes in their diet.
Q: Can I get enough fiber on a vegetarian or vegan diet?
A: Absolutely! Plant-based sources of fiber are abundant, and you can easily incorporate them into vegetarian and vegan diets. Many high-fiber foods, such as beans, lentils, fruits, and vegetables, are staples in these types of diets.
Conclusion: Top 15 High-Fiber Foods to Improve Your Health
As you can see, increasing your daily fiber intake is easy and comes with many advantages. From stimulating digestion and maintaining heart health to keeping your skin healthy and helping you maintain a healthy weight, incorporating more high-fiber foods into your diet is one of the best ways to stay healthy overall.
With so many nutrient-rich food options to choose from, what’s not to love about adding more natural fiber into your routine? So, why not give it a try today? Consider incorporating some of these top high-fiber foods into your regular diet and reap all the delicious certified health benefits that come along with them.
If you’d like to learn more about other nutritious meals worth including in your weekly meal plan, be sure to explore our related article topics! And if you found this blog post helpful, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family!
Disclaimer: This document contains information solely for educational purposes and should not serve as a replacement for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.