All of us should include fiber in our daily diet as we continue to pursue our goals in life. It is the indigestible component in certain foods such as most fruits and vegetables which work to clean our digestive system so that we are able to allow only healthy substances into our bodies through our bloodstream. It is also called nature's broom because it facilitates the digestive process and lets us pass our stool more easily. Fiber can also help us avoid colon problems and other diseases of the digestive system as well as of the other body systems that sustain our lives. This is also popularly known as an aid in weight loss. Since it is water-absorbent, it allows the person to feel fuller and will, thus, eat less throughout the day because of this feeling.

But, of course, nothing makes all this discussion about fiber more valuable than for us to know which foods are rich in fiber so we can start including them more in our diets. Basically, fiber can be obtained from plants but those which are safe and we are interested about are only fruits and vegetables. Depending on their action on the body, fiber is classified in to two types. The first type is one which dissolves in water and creates a gel that serves as a regulator for sugar absorption from our small intestines into bloodstream for distribution of nutrients to the different parts of our body. This is called soluble fiber. It also helps to reduce LDL or low density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol. This type can be found particularly in dried beans, oat bran, flaxseed, peas and many more.

On the other hand, insoluble fiber is that which works primarily to "sweep" harmful waste from the intestines and pass them as bowel. In other words, it removes toxins and helps balance the acid-alkaline levels in the colon. It is a well-known fact that acidic environments in the colon can lead to various types of diseases, including cancer. It is also this type of fiber that helps us pass stool easily and relieves us of bowel problems.

Apples, pears, raspberries, grapefruits, blueberries and avocado are among fruits considered to have the richest supplies of fiber. Among vegetables, kale, sweet potato, cabbage and green beets are on top of the list. Bran, whole wheat bread, oats, whole wheat pasta and brown rice are tops and as for beans, lentils, black, lima, kidney and soy are said to be most abundant are among grains and cereals.