Digestive system health is the basis for enjoying a healthy lifestyle, and fiber plays a huge part in maintaining its health and getting proper nutrition. Especially if you are an athlete, a person who seeks to achieve a healthy life or constantly suffers from digestive problems; such as indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome and other annoying problems. It is necessary to consume fiber in the quantities recommended for adults and children, as increasing fiber consumption suddenly in your system, or not combining its consumption with drinking sufficient amounts of fluids; like water and milk, may lead to some minor problems and pain.
Where to Find Fiber?
Did you know that fiber is a type of indigestible carbohydrate? Carbohydrates are usually converted into sugar molecules, except for fiber, which passes undigested. Fiber is found in plant foods, which will achieve a balance in the body, digestion, and the body’s consumption of sugars, in addition to achieving a greater feeling of satiety.
It is worth noting that there are two types of fiber: soluble fiber, which dissolves in water, and insoluble fiber.
Fiber benefits all groups of people, especially athletes, those suffering from stomach problems, and the elderly, as with age, the body naturally tends to carry excess weight, and the work of your digestive system slows down, which leads to weight gain over time.
Benefits of Fiber
There are lots of benefits for the body from fiber, among which are:
- Facilitating excretion, while resisting the problems of constipation and diarrhea.
- Reducing cholesterol levels.
- Improving blood sugar levels, by slowing down the absorption of sugar.
- It makes you feel full and thus helps you achieve a healthy weight.
- Longer life, as fiber, especially in grains, contributes to reducing the risk of death due to all types of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
- Reducing high blood pressure levels.
- Maintaining the health of the heart and arteries.
- Improving digestive health; those who suffer from peptic ulcers in the colon and rectum, intestinal irritation syndrome, hiatal hernia, and others.
- Improving the health of beneficial bacteria in the intestines.
- Enhancing bone tissue density, especially in childhood and adulthood.
- Improving skin health and some skin problems such as acne.
- Reducing inflammation.
Resources Rich in Fiber
There are many resources of food rich in fiber, making it essential to include it in your daily food. Here are some of them:
- Vegetables; such as broccoli, tomatoes and carrots
- Fruits; such as apples, berries, bananas, plums, etc.
- Grains; such as beans, lentils and peas.
- Whole grains; such as oats and bulgur.
- Nuts and seeds; such as almonds, chia seeds, quinoa, etc.
