I came across this easy to understand article about FIBRE by Stephanie Kay Nutrition….
“Fibre is categorised in two forms: soluble and insoluble.
Soluble fibre dissolves in water and forms a gel-like substance as it goes through the digestive tract. It is for this reason that it helps to slow down digestion and has been shown to help balance blood sugar levels as it slows the absorption of sugar to the bloodstream. Soluble fibre is found in plant pectin and gums such as legumes, oats, barley, quinoa; vegetables such as artichoke, squash, broccoli, carrots; and fruits such as apples, pears, berries, and bananas.
Insoluble fibre does not dissolve in water and, therefore, passes through the digestive tract relatively untouched. For this reason, insoluble fibre helps to add bulk to the stool, prevent constipation and regulate bowel movements. Insoluble fibre is found in whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, and some vegetables.
It is important to understand that there is a lot of overlap between soluble and insoluble fibre, and many fibre-rich foods contain a combination of both forms.
What are the benefits of eating fibre?
Dietary fibre has many important functions for our overall health. Dietary fibre helps to promote regular bowel movements given it provides bulk to our stool and helps to softens our stool allowing it to pass through the gastrointestinal tract more easily. Fibre-rich foods also promote gut health as fibre encourages the “good” bacteria in our digestive tract which are integral for overall health. Moreover, because fibre helps to slow digestion and the absorption of sugar to the bloodstream, it has been shown to help control blood sugar levels and help to lower cholesterol. High-fibre diets have also shown to help regulate weight and appetite by keeping people fuller for longer periods of time.
What foods are highest in fibre?
As previously mentioned, fibre can be found in a wide range of plant-based foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds. Per serving, the foods highest in fibre include:
Fruits: Raspberries, pears, apples with skin, bananas, oranges and strawberries.
Vegetables: Green peas, broccoli, turnip greens, Brussel sprouts, potatoes with skin, corn, cauliflower and carrots.
Whole Grains: Barley, bran, oats, oat bran and brown rice.
Beans, Lentils, Nuts & Seeds: Split peas, lentils, black beans, chia seeds, almonds, pistachios and sunflower seeds.
HOW TO EAT MORE FIBRE
So, how do we eat more fibre? Here are 8 simple, yet effective, ways to help ensure that you reach your recommended daily fibre intake.
1. Eat More Vegetables
Although most people know they are good for them, many people still fail to eat vegetables on a regular basis. Because all vegetables contain fibre, eating more vegetables can quickly increase your daily fibre intake without much effort. Non-starchy vegetables such as leafy greens, broccoli and cauliflower are low in calories, high in fibre, rich in nutrients and can help keep you full for longer periods of time. Not only is eating vegetables at every meal ideal but eating them first can help to ensure that you don’t fill up on other things before you get the chance to eat them.
2. Opt for Whole Grains over Grain Products
As a general guideline, to eat more fibre it is best to focus on whole grains in their whole format as opposed to products made out of them. Eating whole grains helps to ensure that you are eating all parts of the grain, including the fibre-rich bran. On the contrary, refined grains and refined grain products are a poor source of fibre given they have been stripped of their vitamin-containing germ and fibre-rich hull. So, instead of reaching for pastries, baked goods, and granola bars, opt for whole grains such as oats, barley, and rice whenever possible.
3. Start at Breakfast
Instead of waiting until snack time to eat your fruit and lunchtime to eat your veggies, focus on adding more fibre to your meals first thing in the morning. By simply adding fruit to your oatmeal, veggies to your eggs, and nuts or seeds to your yogurt you can help to boost your overall fibre intake before you even start your day.
4. Eat More Beans & Lentils
Not only are beans and lentils a rich source of fibre, but they are a great source of plant-based protein that you can include in meals. Although not everyone is accustomed to cooking with beans and lentils, they are very easy to cook with and are an important part of many traditional diets. Replacing meat with chickpeas, black beans, or lentils in a few meals per week (or adding them to meat-based meals!) is a great way to boost fibre, protein, vitamin and mineral intake at the same time.
5. Snack on Nuts & Seeds
Not only are nuts and seeds a rich source of healthy fats and protein, but they are versatile foods that are easy to transport making them great for snacks. Although all nuts and seeds contain some fibre, pumpkin seeds, almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts and pecans are particularly high in fibre and great for snacking. However, because they are high in fat, they are a rich source of calories so a small handful goes a long way.
6. Reach for Whole Fruit instead of Juice
Although fruit is a rich source of fibre, fruit juice is not. Given that juices are pressed, leaving only a concentration of carbohydrates, specifically in the form of sugar, they are not a good source of fibre. Although fresh fruit and vegetable juices may contain vitamins and minerals, they are stripped of any fibre and therefore do not provide the same health benefits as whole fruits and vegetable. So, instead of reaching for juice, opt for fruits and vegetables in their whole format.
7. Leave the Skin On
In many cases, the dietary fibre found in fruits and vegetables is found in their skin. In fact, foods such as apples, potatoes, and cucumbers contain little to no fibre without their skin. So, if the skin on a fruit or vegetable is edible do your best to consume as it will help to increase your overall fibre intake.
8. Reach for Whole Foods
Since fibre is a form of complex carbohydrate found in whole foods, reaching for whole foods is imperative to increasing your overall fibre intake. Although processed foods do come fortified with added fibre and there are many fibre supplements available, they do not have the same benefit of fibre in its natural format. So, instead of reaching for potions and powder to eat more fibre, do your best to reach for fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds regularly as opposed to using fortified foods or supplements.
The Bottom Line
The key to eating more fibre is actually quite simple; focus on whole foods. Simply include a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds in your diet regularly to help reach your recommended daily fibre intake and support optimal health”.
www.kaynutrition.com