F is for Fibre

Fibre doesn't always get enough focus when talking about eating a healthy diet, although that is changing. Fibre is not actually a nutrient as it's not something we can absorb. However a high fibre diet has many health benefits including helping us to achieve a healthy weight by filling us up, maintaining good bowel health, lowering cholesterol levels and controlling blood glucose levels therefore helping to prevent chronic conditions such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Good sources include fruits and vegetables, oats, wholegrains, beans and pulses. Fibre comes in two forms, soluble and insoluble and for maximum benefit we should be eating a wide variety of high fibre foods to ensure we're getting enough of each. If you want to increase your fibre intake though, make sure you do it gradually and ensure you are drinking enough fluid (six to eight glasses a day). A sudden increase may result in digestive discomfort! 😕💩