Fiber is the indigestible portion of plant foods, most of which passes through our system unchanged. Since we lack the enzymes to digest fiber, we can't absorb any calories from it. But we can reap a multitude of health benefits from fiber - including protecting against the risk for chronic conditions such as diabetes, some cancers and cardiovascular disease, helping lower bad cholesterol (LDL), and maintaining healthy, regular elimination.

Nutrition professionals predict that American adults get only about half of the 20-35 grams of fiber daily that we need for good health. That's why it's a good idea to adopt a healthy daily habit of including more fiber in your diet.

Besides vitamins that are required in a daily diet for optimum health, there are essential minerals that are critical for keeping our bodies functioning. Two minerals - potassium and magnesium - are key in the movement of the digestive tract. Necessary in a daily diet in very small amounts, these two important minerals are essential for regularity.

Eating foods rich in fiber and essential minerals should be a daily, healthy habit for good digestive health. Food groups of fruits, vegetables and whole grains serve up plenty of fiber, so eat them in abundance. And getting in a routine of taking an everyday, like-clockwork natural dose of nutrients can be a very healthy habit. You can meet your daily fiber needs by eating two cups of fruit and two and a half cups of vegetables each day. And drink plenty of water to help fiber do its job. Here are some easy ways to add fiber, and essential minerals and vitamins, to your day:

• Look at fiber-rich fruits as ingredients in a meal, as well as snacks:
  • Prunes (4 grams per 2 oz. serving),
  • Apples (1.5 grams per 2 oz. serving),
  • Raisins (2 grams per 2 oz. serving),
  • Pears (2 grams per 2 oz. serving).
• Read the label when buying cereal and choose those that provide at least 2 grams of fiber per serving.
• Try the rich, nutty flavor of short-grain brown rice (4 grams of fiber per cup).
• Add vegetables to meals whenever you can: in soups, on pizza, in sandwiches, tossed with pasta.
• Add a glass of fiber-rich juice to your daily morning routine. Now there's PlumSmart®, the refreshing all-natural plum juice that works just like prune juice (hey, it's from the same fruit!) but tastes GREAT!