Health Benefits of High-fiber Diet

Fiber is also known as roughage. It is found in many vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans and nuts. Although it is mainly made up of carbohydrates, it is not used by the body for energy as it doesn’t contain a lot of calories. But there are several

High Blood Cholesterol levels

Fiber is very effective in lowering blood the cholesterol levels. The soluble fiber attaches to the cholesterol molecules and it moves through the digestive tract so that it could be excreted out of the body. Hence,this mechanism lowers the blood cholesterol levels.

Constipation

Constipation can be treated with the help of high-fiber diet. Dietary fiber make the stools more bulky and softer which helps in excreting them out of the body. Fiber also ensures that the foods don’t remain in the digestive tract for a longer period. When you are taking high-fiber diet then you should also increase your water intake.

Hemorrhoids

The pain and bleeding is reduced as the stools are more bulky and softer due to the dietary fiber.

Diabetes

Dietary fiber slows down the rapid rise of blood glucose levels in the diabetics after taking meals. The soluble fiber delays the transfer of food from the stomach to the intestines and hence the insulin levels don’t rise rapidly after taking meals.

Obesity

The fiber present in the diet gives a feling of fullness after taking diet. So the appetite is easier to control and helps in losing weight.

Breast Cancer

Fiber prevents breast cancer by reducing the absorption of fats in the digestive tract. Remember a diet high in fats increases the risk of breast cancer.