You ever been told to eat more fiber? Of course, you have. Do you know why it is important to eat more fiber? There are more reasons than you may realize and even the people who say to eat more fiber may realize as well.
Dietary fiber is found in mainly whole grains, vegetables, legumes, and fruits. Most people recognize fiber as a prevention or relief ingredient for constipation. This is very true. Dietary fiber has been used for many years to treat people who have issues going to the bathroom, but it also aids in maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Some people refer to dietary fiber as roughage. This is because fiber is a part of plant foods that your body is unable to breakdown, absorb, and digest. Proteins, fats, and carbs are digested by your body every day. Fiber on the other hand goes thorough the body’s digestive system, mostly intact, and out of the body.
Fiber can be broken down into two classes; soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and develops into a gel-like substance. This has an effect on blood sugar levels and can lower cholesterol. Apples, citrus fruits, carrots, and oats all contain soluble fiber. Insoluble fiber is of course a fiber that does not dissolve in water. Since it does not dissolve, it does act as a “mover” of the stuff in your digestive system. It helps increase the size of one’s stool, so this kind of fiber is important for anyone who struggles with constipation or irregular bowel movements. Whole-wheat-flour, nuts, beans, and veggies are all considered insoluble fiber that will help out with constipation.
The body is more than something you can make look good. It is a vehicle, a vessel that requires maintenance and every day observation of its functions. Too often people neglect the aspect of what is put in their body and the significance that plays in how the body functions internally, not just externally.
So, if you find yourself with some cholesterol issues or having issues going to the bathroom, maybe you have some fiber issues that need to be dealt with. If you are a man who is 50 years old or younger, it is recommended that you consume 38 grams of fiber a day. If you are a man and are 51 or older, 30 grams a day are recommended. Women who are 50 years old or younger are required to get 25 grams a day. Women who are 51 and older should be getting 21 grams of fiber a day.
