Top 10 Rich Dietary Fiber Foods: The Nutrient That Does It All

Keep those intestines moving in the right direction with dietary fiber! I’ve learned all about the wonders of rich dietary fiber foods and how it helps everything from regularity to heart health. Most people don’t get enough fiber in their diet. But by including these top 10 rich dietary fiber foods into your meals and snacks, you can easily boost your intake and reap the many health benefits that fiber has to offer. So what are you waiting for? Start adding these fiber-rich foods to your diet today and see the difference they make for your health!

Ready? Let’s go!

What is Fiber?

According to the American Heart Association, dietary fiber is the indigestible part of plant foods that passes through the digestive system largely intact. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that your body can’t digest. There are two main types of dietary fiber. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and forms a gel-like substance in the digestive tract. While insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water and helps to keep the digestive system healthy by adding bulk to stool and preventing constipation.

According to the Mayo Clinic, good sources of soluble fiber include:

Oats
Beans
Lentils
Fruits, such as apples, oranges, and berries
Vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts

According to the Cleveland Clinic, good sources of insoluble fiber include:

Whole grains, such as brown rice and whole-wheat bread
Bran
Nuts and seeds
Vegetables, such as celery and leafy greens

Experts recommend that adults consume 25-38 grams of dietary fiber per day. However, most people only consume about 15 grams of fiber per day.

Benefits of Fiber

Improved gut health: Fiber helps to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which is essential for good overall health.
Lower cholesterol levels: Fiber can help to lower cholesterol levels by binding to cholesterol in the digestive system and preventing it from being absorbed into the bloodstream.
Regulated blood sugar levels: Fiber helps to slow down digestion and regulate blood sugar levels. This can be especially beneficial for people with diabetes.
Reduced risk of chronic diseases: Fiber has been shown to reduce the risk of several chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer.

What are the Top 10 Fiber Rich Foods?

#1 Rich Dietary Fiber Foods – Oats

Oats are a whole grain that is a good source of fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. They are low in calories and fat, and they can be a healthy part of a balanced diet. These are also a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.

Fiber content: 10.1 grams per cup

How to eat oats: They can be eaten in a variety of ways, including cooked oatmeal, overnight oats, oat bran muffins, and oat pancakes. They can also be added to smoothies, yogurt, and other dishes.

Learn more: 8 Expert Reasons Why Oatmeal Is the Best Breakfast

#2 Rich Dietary Fiber Foods – Pears

Pears are a delicious and nutritious fruit that is high in fiber. They are also a good source of other nutrients, including vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. Vitamin C is important for immune function, potassium is important for blood pressure regulation, and antioxidants can help to protect cells from damage.

Fiber content: One cup of sliced pears contains 7.1 grams of fiber.

How to eat pear:

Add sliced pears to your oatmeal or yogurt for breakfast.
Top your salad with pears, walnuts, and goat cheese for a delicious and nutritious lunch.
Bake a pear pie or crumble for a sweet dessert.

#3 Rich Dietary Fiber Foods – Apples

Apples are also a good source of other nutrients, such as vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. Vitamin C is important for immune function, potassium is important for blood pressure regulation, and antioxidants can help to protect cells from damage.

Fiber content: One medium-sized apple contains 4.4 grams of fiber.

How to eat apple:

Add sliced apples to your oatmeal or yogurt for breakfast.
Top your salad with apples, walnuts, and feta cheese for a delicious and nutritious lunch.
Bake an apple pie or crumble for a delicious dessert.

#4 Rich Dietary Fiber Foods – Carrots

Although carrots are not as high in fiber as some other vegetables, they are still a good source of this nutrient. In addition to fiber, carrots are also a good source of vitamin A and potassium.

Fiber Content: One cup of chopped carrots contains 2.8 grams of fiber.

How to eat carrot:

Add raw carrots to your salad or sandwich.
Steam or roast carrots for a healthy and delicious side dish.
Add carrots to your soup or stew for a hearty and flavorful meal.
Make carrot juice or a smoothie for a quick and easy snack or meal.

#5 Rich Dietary Fiber Foods – Sweet Potatoes

Similar to carrots, sweet potatoes are also a good source of fiber. However, sweet potatoes are slightly higher in fiber than carrots. In addition to fiber, sweet potatoes are also a good source of vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants.

Fiber Content: One cup of roasted sweet potatoes contains 3 grams of fiber.

How to eat sweet potatoes:

Roast sweet potatoes with olive oil and herbs for a healthy and delicious side dish.
Mash sweet potatoes with butter and milk for a creamy dish.
Make sweet potato fries or pancakes for a fun and healthy snack

#6 Rich Dietary Fiber Foods – Legumes

In addition to fruits and vegetables, legumes are another good source of fiber. In fact, legumes contain more fiber than most other foods. Besides fiber, legumes are also a good source of protein, iron, and other nutrients.

Fiber Content: One cup of cooked legumes contains 8-10 grams of fiber.

Types of legumes include; beans, lentils, and peas.

How to eat legumes:

Add beans or lentils to your soup or stew.
Add black beans to your taco salad or burrito bowl for a protein-rich and fiber-rich meal.
Sprinkle roasted chickpeas on top of your salad or avocado toast.

Learn more: 35 Healthy Foods Containing High Levels of Potassium

#7 Rich Dietary Fiber Foods – Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are a nutritional powerhouse that are especially high in fiber. In fact, chia seeds contain more fiber than most other foods, per ounce. Besides fiber, chia seeds are also a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients.

Fiber Content: One ounce of chia seeds contains 10.6 grams of fiber.

How to take chia seeds:

Add chia seeds to your oatmeal, yogurt, or smoothie for a boost of fiber and nutrients.
Sprinkle chia seeds on top of your cereal, salad, or avocado toast.
Make chia pudding with chia seeds, milk, and honey for a delicious snack.
Add chia seeds to your baked goods, such as muffins, pancakes, or bread, for a boost of fiber and nutrients.
Mix chia seeds with water and let them sit for a few minutes to create a gel-like substance that can be used as a thickener in soups, stews, and sauces.

Learn more: Best healthy and satisfying smoothie recipes in 2023

#8 Rich Dietary Fiber Foods – Whole Grains

Whole grains are an important part of a healthy diet. They are a good source of fiber, as well as other nutrients such as complex carbohydrate, protein, vitamins, iron, and minerals. Eating whole grains has been linked to a number of health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer.

Fiber Content: One cup of cooked whole grains contains 3-5 grams of fiber.

Types of whole grains high in fiber include; wheat bran, oats, quinoa, and brown rice.

How to eat whole grains:

Start your day with a bowl of oatmeal or whole-grain cereal.
Add quinoa or brown rice to your meals instead of white rice.
Choose whole-wheat bread and pasta over white bread and pasta.

Equally important, note that not all whole grains are created equal. Some whole grains, such as wheat bran and oats, are higher in fiber than others, such as brown rice and quinoa. It is also important to choose whole grains that are unprocessed or minimally processed.

Learn more: Gluten-Free Vegan Dessert Recipes- Top 10 Best Recipes in 30 mins or Less

#9 Rich Dietary Fiber Foods – Popcorn

Popcorn is a whole grain that is high in fiber and low in calories. This is also a good source of other nutrients, such as vitamin B6, niacin, and iron. Vitamin B6 is important for energy metabolism and immune function, niacin is important for cell health and metabolism, and iron is important for carrying oxygen throughout the body.

Fiber Content: One cup of air-popped popcorn contains 3.1 grams of fiber

Popcorn can be enjoyed plain or with a variety of toppings, such as butter, salt, Parmesan cheese, or herbs and spices. It is important to choose healthy toppings when eating popcorn, as unhealthy toppings can add a lot of calories and unhealthy fats.

Here are some tips for making healthy popcorn:

Air-pop popcorn instead of using microwave popcorn or popcorn in oil.
Add spices or herbs to your popcorn for flavor, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
Avoid adding butter and salt to your popcorn, as these can add unhealthy fats and sodium.

Eating popcorn is a good way to increase your fiber intake and improve your overall health.

#10 Rich Dietary Fiber Foods – Leafy Green Vegetables

Just like popcorns, Leafy green vegetables are also a nutrient-rich food that is low in calories and high in fiber. They are also a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium.

Fiber Content: One cup of cooked collard greens contains 5.3 grams of fiber, one cup of cooked kale contains 3.6 grams of fiber, and one cup of cooked spinach contains 2.7 grams of fiber.

Examples of leafy green; Collard greens, Kale, Spinach, Swiss chard, Mustard greens, and many more.

How to add leafy green vegetable into your meal:

Add leafy green vegetables to your salad, sandwich, or wrap.
Steam it for a healthy and delicious side dish.
Add leafy green vegetables to your soup or stew.
Make a smoothie or juice with leafy green vegetables, fruits, and other vegetables.
Add leafy green vegetables to your baked goods, such as muffins, pancakes, or bread.

It is important to note that leafy green vegetables can contain oxalates, which can bind to calcium and make it less available for absorption. However, the benefits of eating leafy green vegetables outweigh the risks. People who are concerned about oxalates can limit their intake of leafy green vegetables or cook them before eating them.

Which nutrient is rich in Fiber?

Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that cannot be broken down by the human digestive system. It passes through the body relatively intact, providing several health benefits. Fiber-rich foods are mostly plant-based and they include; fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

Learn more: 28 Healthiest Fruits To Eat and Their Benefits

What are 5 groups of foods that are high in fiber?

The 5 groups of foods that are high in fiber include: Fruits (such as apples, pears, etc.). Vegetables, including (broccoli, carrots, kale, and Brussels sprouts). Whole grains (quinoa, barley, and whole wheat). Legumes (chickpeas, peas, soybeans) provide a substantial amount of fiber. Nuts and seeds (such as almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and pumpkin seeds).

Is fiber a main nutrient?

Nutritionists do not consider fiber to be a main nutrient, even though it is an important part of a healthy diet. Some organizations, such as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, consider fiber to be an essential nutrient. Because fiber plays an important role in maintaining a healthy digestive system and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. However, other organizations, such as the United States Food and Drug Administration, do not consider fiber to be an essential nutrient because the body does not need fiber to survive. Additionally, the body does not have a recommended daily intake for fiber.

Final Thoughts on Top 10 Rich Dietary Fiber Foods

Besides being essential for a healthy diet, fiber also helps to keep the digestive system healthy, regulate blood sugar levels, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Although fruits and vegetables are a good source of fiber, legumes and whole grains are even richer. To include more rich dietary fiber foods into your diet, you can add beans or lentils to your soup or stew, snack on fruits and vegetables throughout the day, and choose whole-wheat bread, pasta, and rice over white bread, pasta, and rice. Eating a diet rich in fiber is a great way to improve your overall health and well-being.

So, why wait? Start by gradually including these fiber-packed foods into your meals, and watch as your body responds with increased energy, improved digestion, and a greater sense of overall wellness. Remember to stay hydrated and listen to your body’s needs, as fiber works best when accompanied by enough water intake.

Top 10 Rich Dietary Fiber Foods FAQ

What is the number 1 fiber food?

There isn’t a single “number 1” fiber food as the fiber content varies among different foods. However, one commonly recognized high-fiber food is legumes, particularly split peas. Split peas are known for their high fiber content, with around 16.3 grams of fiber per cooked cup (approximately 196 grams). Other foods like lentils, black beans, and chickpeas are also excellent sources of fiber. It’s important to incorporate a variety of fiber-rich foods into your diet to reap the full benefits of dietary fiber.

Is rice rich in fiber?

White rice, the most commonly consumed type of rice, is not considered a high-fiber food because it has had the bran and germ removed during processing, which lowers its fiber content. Brown rice, on the other hand, is a whole grain that retains its bran and germ, making it a better source of fiber compared to white rice. However, even brown rice has a moderate amount of fiber compared to other high-fiber foods. Increase the fiber content of your diet by including other whole grains like quinoa, oats, and barley, along with fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts.

Does cucumber have fiber?

Yes, cucumbers do contain fiber, although the amount of fiber in cucumbers is relatively small compared to some other high-fiber foods. The skin of the cucumber contains most of the fiber, so it is best to consume them with the skin intact. Including cucumbers as part of a balanced diet can contribute to overall fiber intake, along with other fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts.