What Foods Are High in Fiber? Everything You Need to Know (2024)

Fiber is a non-digestible carbohydrate found primarily in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Foods high in fiber can help you lose weight, relieve digestive discomfort, protect against chronic disease, and lower the risk of health problems associated with heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

This article discusses fiber's benefits, including a list of high-fiber foods.

Benefits of Eating Foods High in Fiber

Fiber is important for aiding digestion and preventing constipation. It can help to control how quickly blood sugar rises after eating, boost your immune system function, and absorb cholesterol to keep it out of the bloodstream.

A high-fiber diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. The term generally refers to a diet that meets or exceeds the daily recommended dietary fiber intake.

Healthier high-fiber diets can help reduce the risk of obesity. A comprehensive study review published in 2019 also found a lower risk of death from all causes in people who ate more fiber, including:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Stroke

Studies continue to demonstrate fiber's protective health benefits for certain types of cancer, or in preventing diverticulitis, a gastrointestinal condition.

The amount of fiber a person needs can vary based on their age. On average, females should aim to consume around 25 grams of fiber daily, whereas males should consume about 38 grams. A good general guideline is roughly 14 grams per 1,000 calories.

Lentils

Lentils are packed with nutrients, including fiber, folate, and potassium. When cooked, a single cup of lentils provides 15.6 grams of fiber and supplies 18 grams of protein, 90% of the daily value (DV) for folate, and 16% of the DV for potassium.

Peas (Split and Green)

Peas are a type of legume that are a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, and other nutrients.

Split peas commonly serve as an ingredient in split-pea soup as well as stews and casseroles. A 1-cup serving of cooked split peas provides around 16 grams of fiber and 16 grams of protein.

Green peas provide fewer calories and carbohydrates than split peas but are lower in protein and fiber. A 1-cup serving of boiled green peas provides roughly 9 grams of fiber and protein.

Beans (Black, Pinto, and Kidney)

Like other legumes, beans are a nutrient powerhouse, providing a good source of fiber, protein, and various other nutrients. The fiber content of several popular bean varieties per 1-cup cooked serving includes:

• Black beans: 15 grams
• Pinto beans: 15 grams
• Kidney beans: 11 grams

Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are small, round cruciferous vegetables that are a good source of many nutrients, including fiber, folate, and vitamins C and K. One cup of cooked Brussels sprouts provides 4 grams of fiber.

Edamame

Edamame is a green soybean that is a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, vitamin K, and disease-fighting antioxidants. One cup of cooked edamame contains 8 grams of fiber and 18 grams of protein.

Artichoke Hearts

Artichoke hearts are low in calories and fat yet incredibly high in fiber. One cup of artichoke hearts packs 8 grams of fiber in just 80 calories.

Chickpeas

Chickpeas, or garbanzo beans, are another nutrient-dense legume rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Chickpeas are a common ingredient in hummus. One cup of cooked chickpeas provides 12.5 grams of fiber.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are tiny black seeds that are a good source of fiber and contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. One ounce of dried chia seeds contains 9.8 grams of fiber.

Raspberries

Raspberries are low in calories and rich in vitamin C, an essential nutrient for immune function and normal growth and development. Plus, raspberries top the list of fruits high in fiber. One cup of raw raspberries provides 8 grams of fiber.

Blackberries

Blackberries are another nutritious berry that can boost your daily fiber intake. One cup of raw blackberries provides 7.6 grams of fiber. Add blackberries to Greek yogurt and cereals, or enjoy them alone as an in-between meal snack.

Whole-Wheat Pasta

Whole-wheat pasta is high in fiber and nutrients, making it a healthier option than traditional pasta. One cup of whole-wheat pasta contains 4.6 grams of fiber, which is over 50% more fiber than the same amount of regular pasta.

Barley

Barley has a chewy texture and slightly nutty flavor and is often an ingredient in soups, stews, and salads. It also has one of the highest concentrations of beta-glucan, a soluble fiber that may help lower cholesterol levels and improve blood sugar control.

One cup of cooked barley provides around 6 grams of fiber.

Pears

Pears are one of the richest fruit sources of fiber, providing 7 grams of fiber per large fruit. In addition, pears are a good source of antioxidants and vitamin C.

Almonds

Almonds are a nutrient-rich nut that contains healthy fats, vitamin E, protein, and fiber. One ounce (about 23 almonds) provides 3.5 grams of fiber, 6 grams of protein, and 48% of the DV for vitamin E.

Oats

One cup of cooked oats provides 4 grams of fiber, including the soluble fiber beta-glucan. Oats are also a good source of the following vitamins and minerals:

• Manganese
• Copper
• Magnesium
• Zinc
• Iron
• Phosphorus
• Thiamine
• Selenium

Broccoli

Broccoli is a high-fiber vegetable often considered a nutritional superstar thanks to its high nutritional value and low-calorie content. One cup of cooked broccoli contains 5 grams of fiber.

Quinoa

Quinoa is a gluten-free grain that is chock-full of nutrients like protein, fiber, folate, zinc, and antioxidants. One cup of cooked quinoa provides 5 grams of fiber.

Avocados

Avocados are high in heart-healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, which benefit heart health. Avocados are also a good source of other nutrients, including vitamins C, E, and K, as well as potassium, fiber, magnesium, and several B vitamins.

One cup of sliced avocado contains 10 grams of fiber.

Apples

Apples are a good source of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C. One medium-size whole apple contains 4.8 grams of fiber.

Ground Flaxseed

Flaxseed is highly nutritious and is one of the richest plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). One tablespoon of flaxseed provides 2 grams of fiber. It's also a good source of thiamine, magnesium, and manganese.

Popcorn

Air-popped popcorn is considered a whole-grain food and a 93-calorie serving amounts to three cups, so it's a good choice if you want a filling snack. One serving contains about 3.5 grams of fiber. Just be sure to avoid the oils and butter.

Can You Consume Enough Fiber From Food Alone?

Despite only 9% of women and 5% of men meeting their daily recommended dietary fiber intake, consuming enough fiber from food alone is possible.

You can increase your daily fiber intake by incorporating more high-fiber foods into your meals and making simple swaps like substituting whole-grain pasta for traditional pasta and snacking on berries and almonds instead of processed snacks.

If you still struggle to meet your daily fiber needs, talk to your healthcare provider about fiber supplements.

What to Know Before Adding Fiber to Your Diet

When increasing your daily fiber intake, it is important to do so gradually. Adding too much fiber at once can lead to digestive discomfort, including bloating, abdominal cramping, or gas.

If you regularly consume white rice and traditional pasta, you can start by replacing one serving daily with a whole-grain alternative in the first week. As your tolerance increases, you can gradually increase your intake of whole-grain products until they make up the majority of your diet.

It's also important to stay hydrated and increase your water intake to help your body digest the fiber. Aim for at least 8 cups of water daily as you work toward a high-fiber diet.

Summary

Many people fall short of meeting their recommended daily fiber intake. Incorporating more high-fiber foods into your diet can help meet your fiber needs while supporting healthy digestion, blood sugar control, heart health, and weight loss.

Foods high in fiber include raspberries, lentils, apples, Brussels sprouts, barley, quinoa, and more. When transitioning to a high-fiber diet, it is important to drink plenty of water and increase your fiber intake gradually to avoid uncomfortable side effects.