What is Dietary Fibre?

Typical deficiencies in the modern diet are fibre, protein and nutrients. Excesses in the diet include carbohydrates, sugars, saturated fats and salt. See how little fibre there is in many breakfast cereals, for example

What is fibre?
Fibre is the indigestible carbohydrate residue found in foods.
There are two types: soluble or insoluble. Soluble is soft and mushy – for instance beans and porridge; insoluble is hard and coarse, such as wheat bran.

Which foods are high in dietary fibre?
Natural foods are usually high in fibre, i.e. whole grains, nuts, seeds, fruit and vegetables.

What happens to fibre in the body?
It passes through the stomach into the digestive tract and on to the large bowel intact where it absorbs water and other waste materials, then is passes as stool.

What are the benefits of fibre for the body?
An adequate amount of fiber each day will ensure that foods are moving along smoothly through your digestive system. Fibre is also beneficial in its effect on slowing down the rate of gastric emptying. Gastric emptying is the process where foods are moved from the stomach to the small intestine. When you consume foods containing fiber, they become "gelled" in your stomach and slow down this process. The small intestine is where most nutrients are absorbed and pumped into the bloodstream. By slowing down the transfer of food to the small intestine your body will be able to extract the nutrients much more efficiently. Fibre obtained from natural sources such as fruit and vegetables sources helps to slow down the absorption of sugar into the blood, which in turn help to maintain energy levels. This will decrease the chances of unnecessary insulin spikes and unwanted fat storage.

What is the recommended daily amount?
For optimum performance, between 25 and 35 grams is recommended. At present, the amount consumed in the typical European diet is just 12-17 grams. You would need to consume the equivalent of approximately 25 slices of wholemeal bread to consume 35 grams of fibre.

What happens if not enough fibre is consumed?
Our body is dependent on a good supply of fibre to help with the digestive process and the elimination of waste products from the food we eat. Unfortunately, our modern diet contains a high proportion of highly-processed and often fibre-deficient foods. This lack of fibre hampers the effectiveness of the digestive tract rendering it less efficient in the waste elimination process. Research suggests that this lack of fibre in the diet is the root cause of several digestive related problems.

Fibre Supplements:

How can Fibre and Herb tablets help?

Fibre and Herb is high in soluble fibre to help optimise your digestive health.  Supports the body’s natural elimination of wastes and toxins. A natural appetite suppressant, controlling cravings for specific foods. Also beneficial in its effect on slowing down the rate of gastric emptying as described above,  the small intestine will be able to extract the nutrients much more efficiently and  helps to slow down the absorption of sugar into the blood, which in turn help to maintain energy levels and decreases the chances of unnecessary insulin spikes and unwanted fat storage. Co

Fibre Added to Shake or Mixed with Water?

Oat Apple Fibre Drink - A unique blend of soluble and insoluble fibres, Oat Apple Fibre Drink contains six fibre sources: apple, oat, maize, citrus, chicory and soya. Supplied in powder form, enjoy with water or mixed with your favourite Formula 1 shake.

Additional Sources of Fibre:

Formula  1 will provide an additional 2.5 g fibre per shake. And many of the protein smoothie recipes contain fruit.

New Healthy Meal Bars contain 8g of fibre per bar.

How to get to a healthy source of protein into your diet?

Article by Herbal Vitality