Do you know why fiber is so good for your health? Adequate dietary fibre is essential for proper functioning of the gut and has also been related to risk reduction for a number of chronic diseases including heart disease, certain cancers and diabetes.
The benefits of a high-fiber diet are many:
· Normalizes bowel movements by increasing weight and size of your stools and softening it, decreasing your chance of constipation;
· Helps maintain bowel health. A high-fiber diet may lower your risk of developing hemorrhoids and small pouches in your colon (diverticular disease). Studies have also found that a high-fiber diet likely lowers the risk of colorectal cancer.
· Lowers cholesterol levels. Studies also have shown that high-fiber foods may have other heart-health benefits, such as reducing blood pressure and inflammation.
· Helps control blood sugar levels. In people with diabetes, fiber can slow the absorption of sugar and help improve blood sugar levels.
· Keeps you full for longer. High-fiber foods tend to be more filling than low-fiber foods, so you're likely to eat less and stay satisfied longer.
How much fiber do we need to eat? Aim for 30 grams of fiber per day.
