If you’re tired of hearing about protein, meet the nutrient that deserves a comeback: fiber. Yes, the one everyone makes bathroom jokes about. While fiber does help keep you regular, that reputation barely scratches the surface of what it actually does for your health.
Fiber plays a big role in protecting your heart. It helps lower cholesterol, supports healthy blood pressure, and keeps blood sugar levels steadier throughout the day. It’s also important for preventing colon cancer, which is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in the U.S. A fiber-rich diet helps move waste through the digestive tract and may reduce the risk of polyps that can turn into cancer over time.
Nearly 95 percent of Americans fall short of the recommended daily amount of fiber. That matters even more for people taking GLP-1 medications like Ozempic or Wegovy. These medications slow digestion, and without enough fiber, constipation and digestive issues can become a real issue.
The good news is that adding fiber does not have to be complicated. Berries at breakfast, whole grain bread instead of white, a side of beans at dinner, or a bowl of oatmeal can all help you get there.
Fiber may get typecast as the bathroom nutrient, but it does far more than that. It protects your heart, supports your gut, lowers cancer risk, and keeps your body working the way it should. Protein builds muscle, but fiber supports the whole system.