How Using Fibre Can Increase Health

According to a study published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine around 20 percent of Americans require more fiber in their diets. There are many advantages to eating more fiber and a lower risk of developing heart disease and diabetes. According to the study’s lead author, Ronette Latgan-Potgieter a dietitian and assistant professor of nutrition at Stetson University, consuming more fibre is essential for overall health.

Reduces cholesterol
One of the many advantages that fibre can provide is the ability to lower cholesterol. It helps prevent bile acids entering the arteries. It also improves bowel function and increases the volume of food we consume. Additionally, it reduces the risk of stroke and heart disease. A Harvard study has revealed that those who consume 25g or more daily of fiber have an increased risk of developing either. You should eat more vegetables, which are high in fibre, and include whole beans and grains.

Fiber is present in many foods and is available in two forms that are soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber forms a gel within the intestine , which slows down the absorption of fats or cholesterol. It can also be an nutrient source for gut bacteria that are ‘friendly which produce substances that are beneficial for heart health. Consuming more fibre can improve your overall health. While insoluble fiber may appear unappetizing to some, research suggests that it may lower cholesterol levels.

Lower blood sugar
One way to lower your blood glucose is to increase your intake of soluble fibre. These fibres are found in many fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and legumes. They are not broken down during digestion, therefore they assist in making the body process food more slowly. By slowing the absorption of glucose, these fibres lower blood sugar levels. People with diabetes can even lower blood glucose levels by eating more insoluble fibre.

Fiber doesn’t cause blood sugar levels to rise, unlike other carbohydrates. This prevents your body from absorbing excess cholesterol and fat. The result is lower cholesterol and triglycerides. Fiber can also improve the health of your gut and reduce the chance of developing colon cancer. These advantages make fiber an essential component of a healthy diet. It can also improve your overall health by lowering your blood sugar levels.

Lower weight
Fibre is a type of carbohydrate that is found in plant food. It is hard for the body to absorb. Fibre is not easily digested by the body which can result in side consequences such as stomach discomfort and flatulence. It also helps prevent an abrupt rise in blood sugar levels, which could result in obesity and an increased chance of developing diabetes. By increasing the intake of fibre it is likely to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and general mortality.

Fibre also has many other benefits that include weight loss and better health. For women, high-fiber diets may lower the risk of breast cancer. It also helps regulate the digestive system, and can aid in weight loss. However high-fibre breakfast cereals might not be coupled with enough fluids, which could lead to constipation. Constipation is a frequent issue in adults and may be caused by high-fibre breakfast cereals. Despite the benefits of fiber however, many adults aren’t getting sufficient amounts of fibre. Studies have shown that low-fiber diets can cause stroke, heart disease, and certain kinds of cancer.

Reduces bloating
Fiber is an essential component of an optimum diet. But how much should you consume? The National Academy of Medicine defines fiber to include dietary carbohydrates, lignans and insoluble and soluble cellulose, as well as hemicellulose. All of them can affect human health. Certain types of fiber are soluble and fermentable which is good for your digestive system, while other types are indigestible. Soluble fiber is present in cereal grains, while insoluble fiber is found in the cell walls of many fruits and vegetables.

While protein-rich diets are linked to a greater risk of gastrointestinal bloating researchers believe a shift in the microbiome may be the reason. In a study of individuals who were on high-fiber diets substitution of high-fiber protein with high-fiber carbohydrates decreased the likelihood of black bloating. While further research is required to identify the exact reason, this substitution could be a useful method for reducing bloating.

Reduces gas
Fibre can decrease gas and improve health when it is eaten. To allow the microflora in your digestive tract to adjust, fibre should be introduced gradually. Three studies revealed that the body of the participants gradually adapted to beans and gas levels returned back to normal within three to four weeks. Beans should be soaked for a few hours before cooking to prevent excessive gas production. Also, avoid high-fiber food items like soda and coffee as they are known to have a high sugar content.

A high-fibre diet delayed gas transit and reduced the amount of boluses that were able to be absorbed through the rectum. Although some individuals may experience gaseous symptom after having a high-fibre-based diet, these symptoms are often due to the production of gas by colonic bacteria. The recommended intake of fibre is from 20 to 35 g per day. Fibre intake also has many other advantages.

Reduces calorie intake
One of the most recent findings on diets is that eating more fibre aids in weight loss. Participants were divided into four groups based on their diet composition. One group consisted of people who had a high intake of fiber and an average BMI. The other two groups were comprised of people with low fiber intake. All in all, those who met the Adequate Intake (AI) of fibre lost fewer calories than those who did not.

High-fiber foods are full, more filling, and consume more time to eat. This results in a lower calorie count per serving. Furthermore, they may even prolong the life of a person. Foods high in fiber, such as cereals, have been shown to lower your risk of developing all kinds of cancers and cardiovascular disease. While eating more fiber might reduce your intake of calories but it also helps you enjoy healthy, tasty foods and reduce your risk of developing diabetes, heart disease or overweight.