Why is fibre so important?

Lo-Dough - The High-Fibre Bread Alternative

Do you know why fibre is so good for your health?

Dietary fibre can be found mainly in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and Lo-Dough.

It is best known for its ability to prevent or relieve constipation. But fibre can provide other health benefits, such as helping to maintain a healthy weight and lowering your risk of diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer.

What is dietary fibre?

Dietary fibre, also known as bulk, includes the parts of plant foods your body can't digest or absorb. Unlike other foods, such as fats, proteins or carbohydrates, fibre isn't digested by your body. Instead, it passes through your stomach, small intestine and colon and out of your body.

Fibre is commonly classified as soluble, which dissolves in water, or insoluble, which doesn't dissolve.

Soluble fibre. This dissolves in water to form a gel-like material. It can help lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels. Soluble fibre can be found in oats, peas, beans, apples, citrus fruits, carrots, barley and psyllium.
Insoluble fibre. This promotes the movement of material through your digestive system and increases stool bulk, so it can be of benefit to those who struggle with constipation. Insoluble fibre can be found in whole-wheat flour, wheat bran, nuts, beans and vegetables, such as cauliflower, green beans and potatoes.

The amount of soluble and insoluble fibre varies in different plant foods.

Benefits of a high-fibre diet

A high-fibre diet:

Normalizes bowel movements
Helps maintain bowel health
Lowers cholesterol levels
Helps control blood sugar levels
Aids in achieving a healthy weight
Helps you live longer

Your best fibre choices

If you are not getting enough fibre each day, you may need to boost your intake. Good choices include:

Fruits
Vegetables
Beans, peas and other legumes
Nuts and seeds
Lo-Dough

Refined or processed foods such as canned fruits and vegetables, pulp-free juices, white bread, pasta and non-whole-grain cereals are all lower in fibre.

Tips for fitting in more fibre

Jump-start your day - Delicious breakfast pancakes
Switch to whole grains
Bulk up baked goods - Mouth watering raspberry and nutella mug cake
Eat more fruit and vegetables

So, high-fibre foods are good for your health. But, like anything, adding too much fibre into your diet too quickly can promote bloating and cramping.

Try increasing the fibre in your diet gradually over a few weeks. This will allow the natural bacteria in your digestive system to adjust to the change.

Also, drink plenty of water, Fibre works best when it absorbs water!