Why is Fibre so important?

My husband and friends know I always bang on about Fibre. So why is it so important?  

Recent research found that higher intakes of fibre in a population was associated with a decreased occurrence of type II diabetes, heart disease, stroke and colorectal cancer, plus has demonstrated benefits in lowering body weight, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. 

Other benefits  

• Fibre keeps us feeling fuller for longer and regulates our blood sugar levels 

• Fibre sustains our energy levels 

• It provides fuel for our microbiome, encouraging good bacteria that helps with digestion and production of certain nutrients, regulates the immune system and nervous system 

• Fibre slows transit through the digestive system, allowing more opportunity for nutrients to be absorbed 

• Fibre promotes bile release, and binds with toxins in the bile transporting them through the digestive system to be excreted  

• It adds bulk and consistency to our stools and helps keep our digestive system healthy 

The recommended intake of fibre is 25-29g per day. When our diets are made up of primarily packaged, processed foods there is no way we can meet this recommendation. To be able to achieve this recommendation, whole forms of fruit and vegetables, wholegrain carbohydrates, nuts and seeds as well as legumes like beans, lentils and chickpeas need to make up the majority of our diet.