HEALTH

It's no secret that fiber is healthy, but it has surprising benefits you probably didn't even know about, from improving your digestive system to preventing diseases like diabetes to detoxing harmful stuff from your bod. You can get it from a lot of everyday foods—like fresh fruits and veggies—and is essential to staying healthy. If you *still* aren't convinced, check out the proof below.

Fiber builds strong bones.
That's right...it's good for your bones, too. Prebiotics, a certain type of soluble fiber, help maintain bone density. This fiber can be found in foods like asparagus, leeks, soybeans, wheat and oats.

It can make you live longer.
There was a study conducted on people who only ate fiber-rich cereals and people who opted for less fiber-filled goods. Those who incorporated more fiber into their diets had a 17 percent reduced risk of death.

Fiber keeps your cholestorol levels healthy.
There are good and bad types of cholesterol. Low-density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol) levels can be lowered when you eat foods like beans, oats, flaxseed and oat bran. Why is that important? Lower cholesterol can decrease your chance of heart disease and stroke.

It reduces your risk of cancer.
Fiber helps food move through your body faster, preventing harmful substances found in some foods from affecting the colon. Try foods like pears and carrots to lower your risk of colon cancer.

You'll have more energy.
Have you ever heard of a blood sugar crash? It doesn't just affect diabetics. Fiber helps keep your blood sugar steady, leaving you less susceptible to grogginess after a heavy meal. Try starting your day with eggs and multigrain toast. 

What's your favorite fiber-filled food? Let us know in the comments! 

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by Julia Bonney | 4/28/2017