High-fiber diet linked to lower risk of death and chronic diseases

Photos: Easy ways to add fiber to your diet

Fiber helps stave off heart disease, cancer and digestive problems while helping control cholesterol, blood sugar and weight gain. But Americans get an average of only 15 grams a day instead of the 25 to 30 that doctors recommend.
It's not hard to add fiber to your daily diet. Start by learning your top fiber choices and then get creative, like this salad that combines beans and peaches with the roughage of lettuce.

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Photos: Easy ways to add fiber to your diet

Eating fresh fruit is an easy way to add fiber each day. Apples add about 4½ grams; bananas and oranges have 3 grams.

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Photos: Easy ways to add fiber to your diet

At 6 grams each, pears have some of the highest fiber content in the fruit family. Eat them raw, in salads or poached in wine or pomegranate juice for dessert.

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Photos: Easy ways to add fiber to your diet

Fresh berries are an especially easy way to punch up your fiber intake. These bite-size beauties are chock full of fiber; a cup of most berries adds 3 to 4 grams and satisfies your sweet tooth, to boot.

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