The term "dietary fiber" refers to a type of carbohydrate that is found in plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains. It is an essential part of our daily nutrition because it helps regulate digestion by adding bulk to the stool, making it easier for waste to move through the intestines.
The "source" of dietary fiber refers to the specific foods or ingredients that contain this important nutrient. For example, some common sources of dietary fiber include: 1) vegetables such as broccoli, carrots and peas; 2) fruits like apples, pears and berries; 3) legumes like beans, lentils and chickpeas; and 4) whole grains like brown rice, quinoa and oatmeal.
Including a variety of these high-fiber foods in your diet can help promote healthy digestion and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, obesity and type 2 diabetes.