Why Fiber Foods Are A Must Have?
We all can agree to the fact that we are living in a rapidly evolving world. Due to hectic work schedules and lifestyle practices, people are looking for convenient options when it comes to food and other necessities. Fad diets and quick fixes are dominating the food industry. However, in order to lead a healthy lifestyle, it is important to make the right choice when it comes to the foods you eat. This content will discuss the importance of having fiber-rich foods that can keep you healthy and well nourished.
What Exactly Is Dietary Fiber?
Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that the human body cannot digest. It passes through the digestive system without being broken and absorbed like other nutrients. However, they provide a lot of health benefits to the overall body. There are two main types of dietary fiber, which are soluble and insoluble fibers. The soluble fiber forms a gel-like substance when they are dissolved in water. It slows down digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness. On the contrary, soluble fiber is mainly found in foods like beans, oats, apples, lentils, and citrus fruits.
Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water. Instead, they regulate the bowel movements by adding bulk to the stool. This type of fiber prevents constipation and promotes regularity. Insoluble fibers are found in nuts, seeds, whole grains, and vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and Brussels sprouts.
Why is it Important to Have Fiber-Rich Foods?
Most people do not know the important role played by fiber in the day-to-day diet. Fiber is not the first thing they look at on the food nutrition label. People are more focused on added sugars, carbohydrates, protein, fat, and other details. This is mainly because most of us do not know the importance of fiber. Apart from helping with digestion and bowel movement, fiber enriched foods play many other important roles in maintaining overall health and well-being.
What are the Health Benefits of Fiber Rich Foods?
Most people associate fiber with gut health and digestion aids. However, the benefits extend far beyond that. Below mentioned are some of the top health benefits offered by foods rich in dietary fiber.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Studies have shown that eating foods rich in fiber regularly lowers blood pressure. The soluble fiber slows down the absorption of sugar and stabilizes blood sugar levels. Therefore, they are considered to be an important addition for people with diabetes and insulin resistance problems.
Weight Management
The foods rich in fiber are usually low in calories. Thus, they can make you feel filled for a longer period. This will help you to reduce the overall calorie intake as well as overeating, which results in weight management. If you are looking for an option to lose weight, including foods rich in fiber can provide you quick and healthy results.
Low Risk of Several Diseases
Providing the recommended daily fiber intake for your body has proven to have many advantages when it comes to disease prevention. For instance, getting enough fiber helps you to reduce the risk of different chronic diseases like heart disease, colorectal cancer, type 2 diabetes, and more. The cardiovascular benefit offered by fiber-rich foods is something that cannot be ignored.
Balances Cholesterol Levels
According to studies, one particular type of fiber, viscous fiber is known to have a binding quality that traps excess bile and cholesterol in the GI tract. The body then eliminates these unwanted bile and cholesterol. This unique property of the fiber will help you maintain optimal cholesterol levels.
Improved Digestive Health
Plant fiber is a natural laxative for the body. They soften the stools and promote regular bowel movements. They are great for people with regular constipation problems. Natural fiber can alleviate constipation and reduce the risk of developing problems like hemorrhoids and diverticulitis.
There are also many other astounding health benefits of including fiber in your day-to-day life.
Top High-Fiber Foods to Choose
Below mentioned are the top high-fiber foods you can choose to include in your dietary practices.
Berries
Berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are praised for their high fiber content as well as their antioxidant properties. They are also rich in vitamin C, and manganese. You can consume them in both fresh and dry forms.
If you are a busy individual who does not have time to shop, clean, and use berries, the daily power booster mix from Healthy Master could be the best option. This is a mix of healthy dried berries and seeds that will provide you with the required amounts of nutrients and fiber for your body.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are packed with fiber. This little wonder from nature is also highly nutritious. They contain high levels of magnesium, phosphorus, as well as calcium. They are also great for diabetic patients as they reduce sugar elevation in the blood. There are different types of drinks, smoothies, dishes, and salads you can prepare using chia seeds.
You can easily order high-quality chia seeds from Healthy Master.
Spinach
Leafy vegetables like spinach are also very rich in natural fiber content. It contains iron, vitamins C and E, magnesium, and potassium. Including it in your diet can support immune functions and aid with the digestive system. If you or your kids do not like to eat spinach in the cooked form, choosing baked spinach chips from Healthy Master could be the best option. This will provide all the necessary nutrients of spinach to your body without compromising on the taste and texture.
Oats
Oats are one of the best whole grain foods in the world that has gained huge popularity in recent years. This is undoubtedly due to the amazing health benefits they offer. Oats contain a great amount of minerals, vitamins, as well as antioxidants. It is also packed with strong soluble fiber.
Quinoa
Quinoa is also highly praised for its nutritional benefits. They are rich in carbohydrates, and proteins and apt for people looking for a gluten-free option. Quinoa also contains proteins like iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium, and antioxidants.
There are also many other foods rich in fiber that can provide the necessary fiber content to your body. This includes bananas, peas, beetroot, dry fruits and nuts, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, etc.
Conclusion
With the numerous options available these days, incorporating fiber foods into your diet does not have to be complicated. You can make simple swaps each day to match your tastes and preferences.
If you do not have enough time and energy to prepare fiber-rich meals, choosing healthy and nutritious snacks from Healthy Master could be the best option. There are different types of on-the-go snacks available in the store that can help you to carry and eat conveniently.