When you think of fiber, the first thing that probably comes to mind is dry whole-grain bread or a bowl of oatmeal. But fiber is so much more than just a healthy part of your breakfast.
They play a crucial role in your health – and many people underestimate their impact. But why are they so important? Let's take a closer look!
First of all, fiber is the "uncooked" part of plants that your body can't digest. There are two types: soluble and insoluble fiber. Both are important for different areas of your health.
Soluble fiber can be found in foods like oats, apples, and legumes. It has the impressive ability to bind water and form a gel-like substance. This may not sound like something that makes your life easier, but this fiber helps lower cholesterol levels and keep blood sugar stable. This effect can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes (Slavin, 2023).
On the other hand, there is insoluble fiber, which is found primarily in whole grain products, nuts, and vegetables. These are the "gut helpers" that ensure everything flows properly through your digestive tract. They increase stool volume, thus helping to prevent constipation and reduce the risk of intestinal diseases (Anderson et al., 2009). Fiber is even believed to have a preventative effect on colon cancer, as it binds potentially harmful substances and reduces their harmful effects in the intestines (Slavin, 2008).
Fiber also has a great property: it fills you up! This means you'll feel satisfied longer after a fiber-rich meal and are less likely to seek out unhealthy snacks. Perfect if you're looking to lose a few pounds or simply stay healthy.
Our normal diet is often insufficient to cover the recommended daily intake of 25 to 30 grams. And recent findings show that a daily intake of more than 30 to even 60 grams is not harmful but, in fact, is even more desirable for our health.
So, if you're not quite ready for that whole-grain bread with apples, we're here to help with our " less-sugar " range. A small 50-gram bag contains more than 20 grams of fiber and less than 75 kcal.
What are you waiting for? Do something good for yourself and your body and snack on a bag of " less sugar " every now and then! PS: It's not only good for your body, but also - thanks to the full snacking experience - good for your mind too!
Sources:
Anderson, JW, Baird, P., Davis, RH, Ferreri, S., Knudtson, M., Schreus, T. 82009) Health benefits of dietary fiber. Nutrition Reviews, 67 (4), 188-200
Slavin, JL- (2008). Dietary fiber and body weight. Nutrition, 24(4), 305-312
Slavin, J.L. (2013). Dietary fiber and body weight. Nutrition 29(5), 536-540.
