Fiber is the part of food that is not digested by the human body. It is found in various plant foods, such as fruits, leaves, stalks and the outer coverings of grains, nuts, seeds and legumes.
Fiber is important in our diet because it helps reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, improves the body’s handling of glucose and insulin. Fiber is very important to the health of the digestive track. Dietary fiber helps soften the stool and encourages normal elimination helping prevent constipation and hemorroids.
The National Research Council estimates that the average intake of fiber in the United States is 12 grams per day. This is much lower than what has been observed in other cultures where fiber intake is as high as 150 grams per day. His recommended by health care practioners that we consume 25 to 60 grams of fiber per day to experience the health benefits.
Fiber is very important for weight management. Fiber rich diets promote satiety (feeling full). Fiber rich foods are high volume, low caloric, dense foods. This means that you can eat a lot without worrying about calories. High fiber diets aid in the absorption of sugars into the bloodstream and assist in removing lipids.
Stay Strong and Healthy,
Peter Holmes
Speak Your Mind