THE ROLE AND IMPORTANCE OF FIBRE
By Aaron Montandon
Fibre plays a crucial role in the body – or the digestive system to be exact. Without adequate fibre gut health can deteriorate and the risk of developing life-threatening diseases such as bowel cancer increases.
So, what is fibre and where can we find it?
Fibre is a form of carbohydrate usually found in plants. It is sometimes referred to as NSP (non-starch polysaccharides). There are two types of fibre: soluble and insoluble. Both are needed for a healthy digestive system.
Soluble fibre can help slow down sugar absorption and lower cholesterol. It can be found in foods such as
Insoluble fibre supplies bulk to the faeces. It allows for more particles and toxins to be picked up along the way through the intestines, helping to keep the intestines clean and in good working order. Insoluble fibre can be found in:
- Vegetables (lots of greens)
- Brown rice
- Wheat
Foods containing considerable amounts of fibre also contain many essential (and much needed) vitamins and minerals. It is suggested we should consume between 12 and 24g of fibre per day.
Health Benefits:
Here is a list of some of the benefits of having adequate fibre in your diet.
- Reduced constipation
- Reduced risk of bowel cancer
- Reduced risk of heart disease
- Lower levels of cholesterol
- Reduced risk of diabetes
About the author
Aaron is an experienced PT at Halo Gym, holding qualifications including Level 3 Personal Trainer, Level 2 Fitness Instructor, Phil Learney ACA (ongoing), KBT Level 1 Strength and Conditioning, as well as KBT Nutrition for Health. His bespoke training programmes have helped a diverse range of clients to achieve their fitness goals, from losing body fat, building lean muscle, to improving general health and fitness.
