Choosing Oatmeal

• Instant and old-fashioned oatmeal are good fiber foods.Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Or Hiltch
  
  According to Yale-New Haven Hospital, both plain instant and old-fashioned oatmeal are good sources of fiber, whole grains and numerous vitamins and minerals. Since processed foods tend to be salt-heavy, watch your sodium intake for the rest of the day if you choose an instant variety.
  
  

Heart Health

• Fiber is heart-healthy.Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of D. Sharon Pruitt
  
  The American Dietetic Association (ADA) states that the fiber in oatmeal and other fiber-rich foods are good for your heart and blood pressure. Try adding fresh fruits and berries to your plain oatmeal as a healthy alternative for flavor and additional fiber over prepackaged, flavored varieties.
  
  

Types of Fiber

• Keep your stomach happy with fiber.Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Sergio Feria
  
  According to Everyday Health, soluble and insoluble fiber are needed for optimum digestive health. Many fiber-rich foods, like oatmeal, contain both of these types of fiber.
  
  

Benefits of Fiber

• Fiber is not only healthy for your heart, blood pressure and digestive tract, it also may help reduce your risk of certain cancers. Everyday Health states that fiber also balances blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of diabetes.
  
  

Warnings

• According to Everyday Health, adding too much fiber too quickly can cause gas, bloating, cramps and diarrhea, so it's better to increase fiber intake gradually. Also, when adding fiber to your diet, make sure to drink extra water to help aid with absorption.