Dietitians Highlight Two Fiber-Rich Foods for Better Gut Health and Longevity

At a major nutrition conference, a group of dietitians and researchers agreed that increasing fiber intake is crucial for health, regardless of the source, as long as it comes from whole foods. They singled out whole grains—like oats, quinoa and brown rice—for their retained B vitamins, minerals and fiber that promote satiety and feed beneficial gut microbes. Beans were presented as an affordable, versatile staple packed with fiber, potassium, iron, folate and high-quality protein, with recommendations to consume about a cup daily.

Additional suggestions included nuts for omega-3 fats, cruciferous vegetables for disease-fighting compounds, and brightly colored produce for antioxidants. The consensus was that a diverse plant-based diet offers the best chance to maintain gut health and support longevity.