Why Fiber is Good for Your Health

fibers health benefits

Nutritionists are always advising us to have more fiber and fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, but what is fiber? Fiber is an indigestible carbohydrate found in foods and can be split into two categories: soluble and insoluble fibers.

So here’s the deal, fiber is good for your health, and this is why.

Dietary fiber is also known as roughage and is found in most fruits, veggies, whole grains and legumes. It is best known for the ability to relieve constipation. These fibers have other health benefits too including lowering the risks of diabetes and heart diseases. Unlike other foods such as fats, proteins, and carbohydrates which your body can break down and absorb immediately, fibers pass through and out of your body almost relatively intact.

Insoluble fiber promotes the movement of other foods through your digestive system and can increase stool bulk, thereby benefiting people who from constipation. Whole wheat flour, wheat bran, nuts, and beans are the best examples of these kinds of insoluble fibers.

Other Benefits

1.    Normalized bowel movements and overall bowel health. By softening it, the bulkier stool is easily passed through and chances of constipation reduced. Fiber also absorbs water and adds bulk to solidify your stool and avoid chances of passing loose, watery stool.

2.    Lowered Cholesterol levels. Soluble fibers in beans and oats lower bad cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure and inflammation.

3.    Controlled Sugar Levels. People with diabetes should have soluble fibers to slow the absorption of sugar and improve sugar levels.

4.    Helps in achieving and maintaining healthy body weight. High fiber foods stay in the stomach and leave you feeling fuller for longer. This essentially means then you end up eating less and staying satisfied for longer durations.