subject: Why Does Your Body Need Fiber? [print this page] Why Does Your Body Need Fiber? Why Does Your Body Need Fiber?
You hear a lot these days about the importance of getting enough fiber in your daily diet. But what exactly is it, what can we get it from, and why does our body need it?
Dietary fiber is essentially indigestible, and has also been called "roughage." It is technically a type of carbohydrate that your body cannot digest, which can be confusing"Why should we eat something we can't even digest?"
Understand that although humans cannot digest fiber, it can help aide in digestion. Soluble fiber absorbs water and can help regulate your digestion , prevent constipation, regulate glucose and insulin levels in diabetics, reduce the risks of colon cancer, and help maintain low cholesterol. For those who are trying to lose weight, fiber intake can help you feel fuller for longer. This increases your satiety and thus reduces the amount of calories you eat throughout the day.
The ADA, or American Dietetic Association, states that although the average person should consume 20-35 grams of fiber every day, the typical American is only getting about 15 grams of fiber each and every day. How can you increase your fiber intake in your daily diet? All you need to do is make the right choices.
When you're eating anything with grains, go for whole grainsthis means whole-wheat breads, brown rice, and wheat crackers. When you're considering cereal for breakfast, it's harder to find whole grains, but you can go for a fiber-rich option such as Fiber One cereal, Shredded Wheat, or Raisin Bran. In addition to choosing the right grains, consider beans a few times a week instead of high-fat meats, and add snacks of apples, strawberries and pears, among other high-fiber fruits and vegetables. Broccoli, carrots, spinach and sweet potatoes are all healthy, high-fiber options when it comes to loading up on vegetables at lunch or dinner.
Your body can obtain fiber in numerous foods. Everything from oatmeal to apples, carrots and celery, whole-wheat breads and brown rice, nuts, seeds and beans. Unfortunately, fruits and vegetables are a part of many diets that is overlooked, and thus there is increasing need for everyone to pay more attention to their fiber intake.
But don't go fiber-loading too fastyou'll want to increase your fiber intake gradually to keep from causing gastric issues, and keep fluids in your system to keep from getting constipated. But regardless of how you get your fiber, it's definitely a great way to keep your weight under control and have a healthier lifestyle.
With so many benefits, why wouldn't someone want to consider a high-fiber diet? Not only is it great for your digestive system and helps control cancer risks, diabetes, and cholesterol, but it can also help keep your weight in check and your hunger at baywhich is always a concern for those of us living in a fast-food society with a growing obesity rate nationwide. Take the first step to treating your body rightconsider increasing your fiber to decrease your weight!
