Hello, I just purchased a Vita-Mix (blender) to blend fruit and vegetable drinks. I would like to find out what is the recommended amount of fiber intake per person per day. Should children consume the same amount of fiber? Also, I don’t like to eat fruit by chewing it. However, blending into juice is OK. Would drink blended juice sufficient for a healthy daily diet?
Thank you for checking the answer.
Whether you blend or eat the edible part of fruits or vegetables, you should get the same nutrients assuming you compare 1 raw piece to the equivalent amount juiced. If you cook the vegetables or fruits first, some vitamins (Vitamin C, thiamin) may be lost during cooking depending on the amount of water and the length of cooking. If you don’t like to eat fruits or vegetables, but will drink them juiced, which is fine. Either way, you are getting the nutritional benefit.
Generally, a person should consume 1 gram of fiber for every 100 calories or approximately 25 grams of fiber per day. Persons with reduced food intake, say 1200 calories, should aim for at least 15 grams of fiber as the average American only eats 12 grams per day. No, children do not need the same amount of fiber as an adult; they need fewer fibers and fewer calories until they reach adolescence. The Food Guide Pyramid recommends enough fruit, vegetable, and grain servings to meet a person’s fiber requirements if a variety of raw and whole grain foods are eaten.
Fiber is the indigestible carbohydrate found in plant cell walls and is either soluble or insoluble. Soluble fiber acts like a gel and insoluble fiber adds bulk to or softens stool. A healthy fiber content of the diet can be achieved by eating fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains. Also, when eating whole grains, increase your fluid intake as insoluble fiber absorbs fluid from your intestines.
