The natural health researchers at Institute for Vibrant Living (IVL) have investigated the health benefits of natural fiber found in many fruits. Here is one in a series of reports on this subject:

Fruit & Fiber Facts

If you like fruit (and luckily most people do like fruit!) then you will be happy to hear that the majority of fruit is also high in fiber.  Fiber is more important than most people may realize, as fiber is critical for long-term health. 

Without enough fiber, harmful compounds found in food may linger in your body and can result in a range of problems. This problem can be addressed in a variety of ways.  An easy suggestion is to eat a healthy diet that is mostly comprised of fresh organic fruits and vegetables, small amounts of animal protein, and, of course, plenty of fiber.

Having enough fiber in your diet allows your body to keep unwanted compounds from building up.  Of course, you can endeavor to reduce the amount of these harmful compounds, which are usually found in processed foods and fast foods.  However, a very important step is taking advantage of high fiber fruit as well.

Almost any fruit you select, ranging from apples to strawberries, will have good amounts of fiber.  Further, keep in mind that you can get this fruit fiber in a variety of ways.  Obviously, eating fruit is one way, but there are other ways as well. 

To Juice or Not to Juice

For example, fruit juice can also be high in fiber.  Whether you are making your own fruit juice or buying bottled fruit juice, you can get a lot more fiber in your diet, even when on the run, thanks to fruit juice.  

As a side note: while fruit juice is a great source of fiber, don't be fooled by fruit juices that are simply pretending to be good for you.  Read the labels of your fruit juices carefully so that you know what you are getting. 

Most of the time fruit juice is loaded down with sugar and even chemicals and preservatives.  For this reason, opt for 100% fruit juice that is also organic.  This fruit juice may be more expensive, but you will actually be getting the "real deal." 

Of course, your best option is to make your own juice.  Try incorporating juicing into your lifestyle once or twice a week.

Options For Use

Fruit can actually be worked into a busy lifestyle with less effort than many may believe.  While fresh fruits may be prone to spoilage, frozen fruit is a different story.  Frozen berries such as strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries all freeze well.  If you want other fruit options that will last, consider canned fruit, such as pineapple and peaches.

The fiber in fruit is only a fraction of what fruit has to offer, as there are numerous other health benefits.  Fruit is high in vitamins and a rich source of antioxidants as well, which can help guard against premature aging and even cancer.

When you are looking for fiber rich foods, consider raspberries, apples, bananas and strawberries, as these are some of the top ranking fiber rich fruits.  However, there are many other fruit favorites that are also high in fiber, such as oranges and pears.  Fruit is naturally high in fiber, and that means you will always have tasty and nutritious fiber options.