Study: Fiber may be the key to staying young

Eating more fiber could be the key to staying young longer.

According to Consumer Reports, fiber does a lot more than help with digestion. A study from 2016 found older people who ate fiber-rich diets were 80 percent more likely to live longer and stay healthier than those who didn't.

Foods like beans, vegetables, fruit, nuts and whole grains are a great choice.

"Fiber helps your health in so many ways," said Patricia Calvo, a health editor with Consumer Reports. "It can protect against type-2 diabetes. It helps to lower cholesterol levels. It helps in weight control because it helps you feel full. And, of course, it helps your digestive system run smoothly."

If you're worried about gas or bloating from eating more fiber, ease into it.

"You shouldn't go from very little fiber to a lot of fiber all at once," said Calvo. "Instead, take small steps, just a couple of things a day. For example, you can take regular cereal and high fiber cereal and combine it. You can have an apple or a handful of nuts instead of chips as a snack. Or you can add oatmeal to your smoothie. There are a lot of small ways to increase your fiber intake."

Ideally, you need 25 to 30 grams of dietary fiber a day -- the equivalent to two cups of black beans. Just remember to bring fiber into your diet slowly.