The Benefits of a Non-Nutrient

Maybe some of the bumper stickers I’ve seen recently will give you a hint.

• Constipated people don’t give a crap!
• Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber, not the toy.
• You know you’re getting old when “getting a little action” means your fiber just kicked in.

You got it—fiber, fiber, fiber. The average American only gets 10-15 grams a day, but should be getting 2 to 3 times that amount. No wonder Americans are being plagued by high cholesterol, hemorrhoids, and diabetes.

Fiber only comes from plants: fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains—preferably raw. There are two types of fiber, soluble and insoluble. Soluble dissolves in water, forming a gel, and acts like a sponge in the intestine. Insoluble fiber absorbs water but does not dissolve, has no calories, and acts like a broom to clean out the colon.

You’re probably wondering, “How do I take advantage of nature’s gift of fiber?” The simplest formula I know is to consume 9 servings of raw fruits and vegetables of 4 different colors each day. Your body will thank you. In fact it’s so important to your health that fiber now has its own vocabulary.

• Fiber Bomb – A drink or smoothie packed with fiber rich ingredients.
• Fiberrhea – Really loose bowels from fiber overdose.
• Fiber Deposit – You don’t want to know.
• Fiberlicious – Fiber rich foods that taste so good.

So here’s some new suggested bumper stickers:

• Got fiber?
• BFF – Beneficial fabulous fiber
• Take your favorite plants to breakfast, lunch, and dinner.