Add More Fiber in Your Diet to Be Healthy

In the current fast paced lifestyle, people do not include adequate amount of fiber in their diet. Food lacking in fiber can lead to various diseases such as colon cancer, constipation etc. A healthy digestive tract can be maintained only with the help of adequate fiber intake. Dietary fiber eliminates the condition of hard stools and enables fast elimination of it through the intestines.

The dietary fiber is of two types namely insoluble and soluble fiber. Insoluble fiber remains largely unchanged and does not dissolve. Peas, wheat barn and outer coating of vegetables and fruits are rich in insoluble fiber. On the other hand, soluble fiber is sticky in nature and dissolves in water. Plums, lentils, bananas and fenugreek are rich in soluble fiber.

Intake of adequate dietary fiber also lowers the level of serum cholesterol in the body and guards against heart problems. The bad cholesterol in the body can be reduced by consuming a diet rich in soluble fiber. Such a diet can also reduce the blood glucose levels and can be consumed by diabetics also. Fiber rich food is most suited for those interested to shed weight because it is not only low in calories but also is very filling.

You must improve fiber intake gradually because a sudden increase of such a diet can lead to conditions such as abdominal pain, gastric disorders etc. Also fiber intake above a certain level is bad because it can prevent the optimal absorption of some minerals such as zinc, iron, calcium etc.

Another distinct advantage of fiber rich food is that their nutritive value is maintained at all stages namely ripe, mashed or raw stage. You must ensure that you take sufficient fluids along with such a diet. You can add fiber to your diet by including cereals, dried fruits and grains. You must eat at least 4-5 servings of vegetables and fruits per day Use fiber rich nuts and fruits while snacking and include ample salads in your diet.