What is fibre?
Fibre quite simply keeps our digestive track healthy. It is the indigestible part of a plant and can be found in fruits, vegetables, whole-grains, nuts and legumes.
There are two types of fibre insoluble and soluble.
Insoluble fibre it like a mop it absorbs liquid and expands, which pushes waste down and out of your system. It's basically what speeds up the digestive processes taking along with it the toxins found in your body. Insoluble fibre is usually found on the skin and outer side of foods and gives the food it's chewy texture.
Soluble fibre binds with liquids in your stomach to fill it up. It slows down the digestive system which in return makes you feel fuller for longer and ensures you eat less!
How much should I consume?
Like most good things when it comes to our diet many of us aren't getting enough fibre. It is recommended that we consume 25-30grams a day. Now before you go and start scoffing down 3 bowls of all-bran, it's best to gradually increase your fibre intake along with drinking plenty of water. This ensures no discomfort is caused....if you know what I mean.
Which foods provide us with fibre?
Now that the fibre trend is catching on you will notice that many foods now have added fibre – white bread and yoghurt are two examples. However it's best to stick to veggies, fruits, whole-grains, legumes and nuts as added fibre doesn't provide you with the same nutritional benefits. It's easy to make your daily fibre quota just ensure you eating two pieces of fruit, heaps of veggies and whole-grains. If you snack on nuts and even some healthy popcorn it's easy to achieve.
Health benefits of fibre?
The benefits of eating fibre include weight loss, lowering blood cholesterol and decreasing your risk of developing diabetes and other disease. It keeps your bowels happy and healthy and kicks hunger panis to the curb! Make fibre your friend and reap it's health benefits.
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