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Why Is Fiber Important in Your Diet

By Diane Hanson

When I was a kid, I used to wonder why my mom always made me eat "cardboard" whole-grain bread. I just hated the taste of such breads – dry and bland. No matter how much I protested and refused, mom would simply brush me off , saying "it's good for you, sweetheart....eat it!". Well, she was right. It was all about FIBER.

Fiber is a special type of carbohydrate that passes through the human digestive system virtually unchanged, without being broken down into nutrients. There are 2 types of fiber, insoluble fiber and soluble fiber.

Insoluble fiber, also known as roughage, is mainly made up of plant cell walls. It cannot be dissolved in water and therefore not digested. Instead, insoluble fiber moves through the digestive tract, and helps to flush waste out of the digestive system quickly.

Soluble fiber, on the other hand, is made up of polysaccharides (carbohydrates that contain three or more molecules of simple carbohydrates), and it dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance. It helps the body to absorb blood cholesterol and keeps blood sugar levels healthy.

The health benefits of dietary fiber are plenty. It prevents constipation, decreases your risk for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), colon cancer and heart disease. In addition, adding fiber to your diet helps you lose weight. Fiber makes you feel full longer and may actually prevent the body from absorbing fat.

How Much Fiber Do You Need a Day

You need about 25 to 35 grams dietary fiber daily. To name a few – pears, apples, berries, artichokes, lima beans, peas, oatmeal, and whole-grain cereals are what you should include in your diet.

Also, drink plenty of water or you risk being constipated! Don't forget when you're clean inside, you look good and feel good outside!

15 Yummy Ideas to Eat More Fiber and Love It

Find ideas to include more fiber in your diet to meet the daily requirement of 25-30grams.

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Are You Buying Really Whole Grain Products?

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Get Enough Calcium without Diary

Discover good sources of calcium other than milk, including delicious dairy free meal and snack ideas.

Raisins: Small in Size But Big on Nutrition

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Colors of Fruits and Vegetables

How different color fruit and vegetables benefit your health, and find easy ways to eat 5 a day.

Something Really Good about Turmeric

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The Magic of Chia Seeds

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