If you had to imagine food substances as characters come to life, think of fibre as a quirky superhero.
It’s a type of carbohydrate that the body can’t digest, and yet it still manages to do a whole lot of good in your body. With ease and precision, it makes its way through the body, helping to regulate the way we use sugar and assisting in keeping sugar spikes and cravings in check.
Like a benevolent nutrient fairy godmother, it works to help prevent diseases, assists with gut health and helps keep our appetites on an even keel.
So, we can’t digest fibrefibre, but the body still needs it. Seems weird, but it’s true:
Fibre is easy to find. Fill up on:
Do NOT fill up on refined and processed foods which have very little fibre. It’s also possible to take fibre supplements or find fortified foods such as high-fibre cereals. Remember to increase your fibre intake gradually and drink plenty of water to help with digestion.
It's important to strike a balance and get your fibre in moderate quantities from different sources: fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, legumes, nuts and seeds. Some types of fibre, such as psyllium husk, can interfere with the absorption of certain medications. If you are taking any medications, you must speak with your doctor first for more information on potential effects.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, or using any medication.