The benefits of high fibre meals
Eating a diet rich in fibre has numerous health benefits. Fiber can help with digestion, weight management, and overall health. By incorporating high-fibre meals into your diet, you can reap these benefits and feel better, both physically and mentally.
Some examples include: oats, legumes, strawberry, raspberries, chia seed, dark chocolate, cruciferous vegetables etc
1. Digestive Health – High-fibre meals help keep the digestive system in good working order by keeping food moving through the system. This can help prevent constipation, hemorrhoids, and other digestive problems. High fibre diets can also help reduce the risk of colon cancer; as they improve bowel movements which in turn reduces the incidence release of free radicals (cancer causing agents) due to long transit time of faeces in the colon and rectum.
2. Weight Management – Fibre can help people feel full faster and stay full longer. When people feel full, they are less likely to overeat or snack on unhealthy foods. This can lead to weight loss and better overall health. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, a high-fibre diet can help people maintain a healthy weight.
3. Blood Sugar Control – Fibre can help regulate blood sugar levels, which is important for people with diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, high-fibre foods can help slow down the absorption of sugar in the body, which can help prevent spikes in blood sugar levels.
4. Heart Health – High-fibre meals can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, soluble fibre can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
5. Brain Health – Fibre may also help improve brain health. One study found that people who ate a diet high in fibre had a reduced risk of cognitive decline as they aged.
Overall, there are many benefits to eating high-fibre meals. By incorporating more fibre-rich foods into your diet, you can improve your digestive health, help manage your weight, control your blood sugar levels, protect your heart, and improve brain function. With so many benefits, it’s clear that high-fiber meals are a great addition to any healthy diet.
References:
American Heart Association. (2015). Soluble Fibre and Cholesterol.
American Diabetes Association. (2018). Fibre.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. (2019). Fibre.
Erwin, S. (2018). Soluble Fiber and the Health Benefits of a High-Fibre Diet. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 71(5).
McEvoy, C. T., et al. (2018). Intake of Dietary Fibre and Risk of Cognitive Decline in Older Adults. Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, 22(10).