Fibre is essential for good health: here’s why

You probably know eating fibre is important for your health, but do you know why?

Fibre's main function is to maintain digestive system health, but it can also aid weight control, diabetes management, and decrease the likelihood of certain diseases.

A high-fibre diet can stabilise blood sugar and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of various conditions such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Fibre promotes healthy digestion, regulates bowel movements and helps to control appetite, all of which help to prevent conditions such as colon cancer, haemorrhoids, constipation, and obesity. Additionally, fibre-rich foods are typically high in essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals, which are necessary for optimal health.

What foods contain fibre?

Fibre is found in plant products, like fruits, vegetables, and cereals. There are two types of fibre which your body needs daily: soluble and insoluble. Most plant foods contain a mixture of both.

Insoluble fibre is part of plant cell walls which helps to keep your bowels regular. Good sources are found in the skin of fruit and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and beans. Insoluble fibre helps to add bulk, and to prevent constipation and associated problems such as haemorrhoids.

Soluble fibre mainly exists in plant cells and one of its major roles is to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. You can get plenty of soluble fibre from fruit and vegetables, peas, lentils, oat bran, seeds, and soy products such as soy milk. Soluble fibre can also help with constipation by acting as a sponge, making bowel contents softer and easier to move.

Eat a variety of nutritious food to get each type of fibre, drink plenty of fluid to help it work efficiently, and enjoy the benefits of better health.and enjoy the benefits of better health.