Did you know that most Americans don’t eat enough fiber? Both the American Heart Association and the FDA recommend eating 25 grams of fiber every day, but most people only get 20 grams. The Harvard Health Blog reports that many Americans are eating low in fiber because many think of foods rich in fiber as carbohydrates. But eating fiber lowers cholesterol in addition to being good for overall health. Dietary fiber (also called “roughage”) is found in plant food and can’t be obtained through supplements. It’s considered a “good carb.” Whole grains, beans, and vegetables might be carbs, but they’re carbs that are good for you.

There are two kinds of fiber and both are necessary for optimal health. Soluble fiber slows digestion and traps fats so they can’t be absorbed, which lowers cholesterol. Insoluble fiber helps you eliminate. Both types of fiber makes us feel full, which prevents eating too much overall. Getting enough fiber is associated with weighing less, having lower blood pressure and cholesterol and a lower risk of heart disease as well as breast and colon cancer, so make sure and eat foods like whole grains that will help you get your daily intake.