Health benefits of fibre

Fibre makes up an important part of our diet, and we should all definitely be getting the recommended daily allowance of between 18g and 30g a day.
But what exactly are the health benefits of it?

Nutritionist and advisor to the Breakfast Cereal Information Service (BCIS), Dr Carrie Rushton gives 5 reasons why fibre is so important:

1. Fibre helps to keep your bowels regular. It does this by absorbing water as it passes through the large intestine which has the effect of bulking up the stools and making them easier to pass.
2. Our large intestine is filled with bacteria of all types. Research shows that dietary fibres help to promote more beneficial bacteria at the expense of the baddies. This can lower your chance of developing bowel diseases and may help support immune function.
3. Some types of fibre, for example from oats, beans and flaxseed, can help to keep your heart healthy by reducing levels of ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol in the blood.
4. Fibre-rich foods often have a lower glycaemic index which helps our bodies to absorb carbohydrates more slowly and avoid sudden rushes of blood sugars. A slower release of energy may also help keep blood sugar levels more constant throughout the day.
5. Foods rich in fibre can help with weight management by making us feel fuller for longer after meals. Cereal fibres and wholegrains are particularly good for this. The extra chewing that high fibre foods require may also help us to eat less.