Nutrition Expert Interviewed for Fiber Story

Clinical Professor and Chair for the Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Mindy Haar, Ph.D., RDN, was interviewed for a National Geographic article about the best time of day to consume fiber. Haar emphasizes that fiber not only promotes fullness but also supports a diverse and healthy gut microbiome, which in turn influences digestion, immune function, and metabolic health. She notes that including fiber-rich foods—starting with breakfast—helps set up these benefits early in the day. In addition, Haar highlights fiber’s role in reducing chronic disease risk, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes, by improving cholesterol levels and supporting overall metabolic balance.