Ever heard that adding fiber to your diet is a smart move for your health? But a question may arise: why should we care about fiber? What’s the big deal? Well, think of fiber as the unsung hero of carbs, found in plants and packed with benefits. Our digestive system turns most carbohydrates we eat into sugar. Unlike other carbs, our bodies can’t break fiber down, but that’s precisely why it’s so valuable. Fiber cruises through our digestive system, boosting your stool’s volume and softening it along the way. It’s like the superhero of digestion, adding bulk to your meals and keeping you feeling satisfied longer, making it a secret weapon for weight loss efforts or to maintain a healthy weight. And if you’re managing diabetes, fiber steps in to help stabilize blood sugar levels. Plus, it’s your gut’s best friend, promoting regularity and overall bowel health. With high-fiber foods, you not only fill up faster but also stay fuller longer, making healthy choices a no-brainer.

There are two types of fiber:

• Soluble fibers dissolve in water and can be fermented or broken down by your intestinal bacteria. Sources of soluble fiber include oats, fruits, and beans.
• Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water and is poorly fermented by gut bacteria. This type of fiber passes through your digestive system intact. Insoluble fiber is concentrated in foods like whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

Importance of Fiber:

Takes Care of Your Digestive Health : Both insoluble and soluble fiber helps to maintain comfortable and regular movements of bowel. Insoluble fiber increases stool bulk and promotes comfortable bowel movements, while soluble fiber draws moisture into the stool and helps keep it soft and light.

Helps Maintaining Certain Health Conditions : Fibrous foods helps to decrease the blood sugar level. So people with diabetes should have a certain percentage of fiber in their regular diet. Fiber is also important for minimizing the risk of heart diseases reducing cholesterol levels in blood. Studies suggest that people with high fiber intake may have up to a 21% reduced risk of colon cancer compared to people with low fiber intake.

Helping to manage weight : Fiber helps you feel full and satisfied after eating for a longer time. This prevents overeating and ultimately gaining weight.

However, if you don’t have enough fiber in your daily diet, don’t try to increase it all at once. This could be a reason for stomach distress. Increase the amount gradually and drink lots of water, which can help fiber pass through your digestive system without causing stomach distress.