Why is Fiber So Important?
I'm working to get my fiber up to 35 grams per day. Here’s why:
Digestive Health: Fiber promotes regular bowel movements and helps prevent constipation by adding bulk to stool and making it easier to pass. This helps to maintain a healthy digestive system and pelvic floor!
Blood Sugar Control: Fiber slows down sugar absorption into the bloodstream, helping to stabilize blood sugar levels. This is particularly important for people with diabetes or those at risk of developing diabetes.
Heart Health: Soluble fiber found in foods such as oats, beans, and fruits can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Lowering cholesterol levels reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Weight Management: High-fiber foods tend to be more filling than low-fiber foods, which can help control appetite and reduce overall calorie intake. This can be beneficial for weight management, and I’m personally working on reducing my fat mass.
Prevention of Colon Cancer: Adequate fiber intake is associated with a lower risk of developing colorectal cancer. Fiber helps move waste and toxins through the digestive tract more efficiently, reducing the time that potentially harmful substances stay in contact with the colon lining.
Gut Health: Beneficial bacteria in the gut ferment certain types of fiber, producing short-chain fatty acids. These fatty acids help maintain the intestinal lining's health and contribute to overall gut health.
Do you struggle with fiber? Would recommendations and meal ideas be helpful?