Diet rich in fibre

Benefits of Fibre in Your Daily Diet

2021-10-26T19:15:16+00:00

By Virtue Digest

Usually, when we think of fibre in our diet, our minds immediately tell us this is one topic we can certainly do without. After all, who wants to think of how certain foods act as roughages and push food down our digestive tract? Truth is, fibres do a whole lot more than aid smooth digestion and keep the system in order. Foods that have a high dietary fibre can also lower the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Taking it further, fibre also helps improve the health of your skin and helps you lose weight. The sad thing is that we do not take the functions of fibre seriously enough for us to consciously add enough of it to our daily dietary intake.Because fibre passes through the system undigested, it keeps your digestive system clean and healthy, easing bowel movements and flushing cholesterol and harmful carcinogens out of the body. Research has shown that fibre comes in two distinct forms: the soluble and insoluble kinds. Insoluble fibre is the kind of fibre that does not dissolve in water. It helps to prevent constipation and is found in whole grains, wheat cereals and vegetables. These include carrots, celery and tomatoes.Soluble fibre, on the other hand, dissolves in water and helps control blood sugar levels and reduce cholesterol. Good sources include oatmeal, beans, nuts, and fruits such as apples, berries, citrus fruits and pears. There are certain foods that contain a combination of both.

Why is Fibre Good for You?

• Dietary fibre keeps the digestive system running as it should; normalizing bowel movement, and preventing both constipation and diarrhoea.• Soluble fibre, we are told, is an important element of any heart-healthy diet. Improving cholesterol levels, a high fibre intake can also reduce your risk for metabolic syndrome. Fibre can help to lower blood pressure, and shed excess weight around the abdomen.• A diet high in fibre; particularly insoluble fibre from cereals, can lower your risk for type 2 diabetes.• Recent research suggests that diets with high fibre content can help prevent colorectal cancer, although the evidence is not yet conclusive.• Yeast and fungus are excreted through the skin triggering outbreaks or acne. A diet high in fibre can flush toxins out of your body, improving the health and appearance of your skin.• For those keen on losing some weight, fibre adds bulk to your diet; this is a crucial aspect of weight loss as it can help you feel full sooner. Since fibre stays in the stomach longer than other foods, that feeling of fullness will stay with you much longer, helping you eat less. It is also important to note that foods high in fibre, like fruits and vegetables tend to be low in calories.