How Using Fibre Can Increase Health

A recent study published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine discovered that more than 20% of Americans need more fiber. One of the many benefits of eating more fiber is the lower risk of developing heart disease and diabetes. Ronette Lategan Potgieter, a Stetson University dietitian and assistant professor of nutrition, stated that eating more fiber is vital to overall health.

Lowers cholesterol
Among the many benefits of fibre, one of the most significant is its ability to reduce cholesterol. It does this by stopping bile acids from getting into the arteries. It also improves bowel function and helps bulk up the food we eat. Fiber also reduces the chance for stroke and heart disease. A recent Harvard study revealed that those who consume 25 grams or more of fiber a day are less likely to suffer from both conditions. The key is to add more vegetables to your diet, as they’re high in fibre, along with whole grains and beans.

Fibre is found in many foods. There are two types of fiber which are soluble and non-soluble. Soluble fiber forms a gel in the intestine and delays absorption of fats and cholesterol. It is also a food source for beneficial gut bacteria that produces substances that are beneficial for your heart health. Thus, consuming more fibre is a good method to improve your overall health. Although it may not look appealing, studies have shown that insoluble fibre can lower cholesterol.

Lower blood sugar
Increase your intake of soluble fiber to lower blood sugar levels. These fibres can be found in many foods, including legumes, fruits, and vegetables. They do not break down during digestion, and therefore they aid in the process of digestion and help to make food more slowly. These fibres can slow down the intake of glucose, and can lower blood sugar levels. People with diabetes can even lower blood glucose levels by consuming more insoluble fibre.

Contrary to other carbs like sugar, fiber does not trigger an increase in blood sugar. This stops your body from absorbing excess fat and cholesterol. The result is lower triglycerides and cholesterol levels. Fiber can also improve your gut health and reduce the chance of developing colon cancer. All of these benefits make fiber an essential component of healthy eating. It also improves overall health by lowering blood sugar levels.

Lower weight
Fibre is a dietary carbohydrate in plant foods, and is difficult for the body to digest. Fibre is not readily digested by the body which can result in side effects such as digestive discomfort and flatulence. It also prevents the rapid rise in blood insulin levels, which are associated with overweight and a higher risk of diabetes. By increasing your intake of fibre it is likely to reduce the risk of developing type 2 heart disease, diabetes and overall mortality.

Fibre has many other benefits including a decreased weight and better health. High fibre diets can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in women. It also helps regulate the digestive system and encourages weight loss. Breakfast cereals that are high in fibre may not contain enough fluids and can cause constipation. Constipation is a frequent issue in adults and can be caused by high-fibre breakfast cereals. Many adults don’t consume enough fiber, despite its numerous benefits. Studies have shown that diets with low levels of fiber can lead to stroke, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.

Reduces the appearance of bloating
Fiber is a crucial component of an optimum diet however, how much should you eat? The National Academy of Medicine defines fiber to include the dietary carbohydrates, lignans, insoluble and soluble forms of cellulose and hemicellulose. All of these affect human health. Certain kinds of fiber are fermentable and soluble which is good for the digestive system, but other types are indigestible. Soluble fiber can be found in cereal grains, whereas insoluble fiber is found in the cell walls of many fruits and vegetables.

Researchers believe that a shift in microbiome could be responsible for the increased frequency of gastrointestinal bloating in protein-rich diets have been connected to the issue. In a study of people who were on high-fiber diets substitution of high-fiber protein with high-fiber carbohydrates decreased the incidence of black bloating. While further studies are needed to determine the exact mechanism, the substitution could be a good method to reduce the risk of bloating.

Reduces gas
In the event of consumption, fibre can lower gas levels and improve health. To allow the microflora of your digestive tract to adjust, fibre is best introduced slowly. Three studies have shown that the body of the participants gradually adjusted to beans and gas levels returned to normal within three to four weeks. Beans should be immersed in water for a few hours prior to cooking to avoid excessive gas production. Avoid high-fiber foods like soda and coffee, as they are usually high in sugar.

A diet high in fibre delayed gas transit and decreased the amount of boluses were passed through the rectum. Although some individuals might experience gaseous symptoms after eating a high-fibre diet the reason for these symptoms is usually caused by the fermentation of gases by colonic bacteria. The recommended intake of fiber ranges from 20 to 35 g per day. Fibre intake has many other advantages, too.

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 depending on their diet composition. One group comprised people with a high intake of fiber and having a normal BMI. The two other groups were made up of people who consumed less fiber. All in all, those who were able to meet the Adequate Intake (AI) of fiber lost less calories than those who did not.

High-fiber foods are more full of nutrients and take longer to digest which results in a lower calorie density per serving. They may also extend your life span. High-fiber foods like cereals have been proven to reduce your risk of developing all types of cancers and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, while eating more fiber may lower the calories you consume however, you can still have delicious, nutritious meals while decreasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes and obesity.