Fiber has gotten a pretty distinct rep because of all the digestion related talk, if you know what I mean. But it is good for so much more than expelling the unwanted particles in your body. If that is enough hidden meaning for you, let’s move on to how fiber, our complex friend and carbohydrate, has so many benefits for us.
It’s Good For Your Gut
Fiber is essentially a non-digestible carbohydrate, so unlike proteins and fat, it does not get absorbed by your bloodstream en route to your intestines. Therefore, the hungry bacteria in your intestines finally get to feed on fibers and thrive. Why promote the growth of this bacteria? Because they produce important nutrients for your body and short-chain fatty acids that help with reducing inflammation in the gut, and improve gut disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Weight Loss! Hurrah!
By upping your intake of fiber, you may be able to lose weight. It makes sure that you feel full faster and for longer periods of time. A high-fiber dish compared to a low-fiber dish (same volume) will have fewer calories and will keep you feeling satiated.
It Controls Your Blood Sugar
Foods that are high in fiber have a lower glycemic index than refined carbs. This makes sure that there are smaller spikes in blood sugar. The sugar from high fiber foods is absorbed slower by the bloodstream, therefore regulating blood sugar spikes as well as food consumption.
It May Reduce the Risk of Colo-rectal Cancer
This hasn’t been studied extensively, and many experts say that fiber-rich foods generally have many nutrients on their own which may be contributing to lower cancer risk. The fact remains, however, that consuming fiber-rich fruits and vegetables could decrease the risk of colon cancer.
It Acts Like A Broom
Yes, we all know this. Fiber basically scrubs out your gut and sweeps out the content effectively. Since it removes the toxins quickly, it gives the bloodstream less time to absorb it and the associated illnesses.
Getting More Fiber in Your Diet
Keep in mind that meat, dairy and eggs contain no fiber. Anything that has been made with white flour (bread, pasta) has been stripped of fiber. So you must make a conscious decision to incorporate fiber in your diet.
Here are some fiber-rich foods: Apples, beetroot, carrots, oatmeal, beans and legumes (eating too much of these may cause stomach pain), most fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds.
