What is dietary fiber?
In easy terms, Dietary fiber is a non-digestible carbohydrate that is found in foods.
A lot of research has shown that dietary fiber has great health benefits and its intake promotes digestion and helps reduce the risk of heart diseases.
Fiber is mostly found in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
Overall there are two types of fiber
Soluble
Dissolve in water and are found in nuts, oatmeal, apples, etc. These help lower glucose levels and help lower blood cholesterol.
Insoluble
Doesn’t dissolve in water.
This type of fiber promotes the movement of food through your digestive system and increases stool flow, so it can benefit those who struggle with constipation.
Sources of dietary fiber
Now let’s look at the health benefits of dietary fibers and why you should include them in your diet
Aids in weight loss
Dietary fibers are quite filling and keep you satisfied for a longer duration thus reducing your hunger. This really helps in weight loss.
Helps control blood sugar levels
Soluble fibers help in slowing down sugar absorption in your body thus helping regulate blood sugar levels.
Improves gut health
Studies indicate that a high-fiber diet help in lowering the risk of colorectal cancer and maintains your gut health in general.
Relief in constipation
Fiber softens your stool as well as bulkier and the same speeds its passage from your body.
Helps control cholesterol levels
Studies have shown that some of the soluble fibers found in foods like oats, beans, etc. can help in controlling your cholesterol levels by lowering bad cholesterol levels.
Study reference –ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion.
Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information.
