The power of fibre

Soluble or insoluble, fibre can work wonders for your health!

Fibre is vital for lowering cholesterol, keeping blood sugar levels stable and managing your weight. Adults should aim to eat 30g of fibre every day – it’s found in plant-based foods, not meat or dairy. Usually the amount of fibre in food is listed on the label. It’s also good to know the difference between soluble and insoluble fibre:

– Soluble fibre delays the time it takes for you to digest food, making you feel fuller for longer. It can also regulate blood sugar levels and help reduce cholesterol. It does this by binding to excess cholesterol and fatty substances in the gut, stopping them from going into your bloodstream. Fruit, vegetables, beans, pulses and peas are good sources of soluble fibre, as are grains like oats, rye and barley.

– Insoluble fibre shortens the time it takes for food to move through the bowel, and can also improve the balance of good bacteria in the gut. A quick way to boost your intake is to eat the skin on fruit and vegetables! Also, opt for wholegrain varieties of starchy foods like pasta and bread where possible and cook potatoes with the skin on.