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Healthy eating: why eat fiber?

 
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
 
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15 June 2012, 10:09

Products rich in fiber are very useful for the human body. The thing is that they contain plant fibers that reduce the time food stays in the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, they cleanse the body, removing toxins from it.

Consumption of fiber-rich foods in some cases leads to a decrease in cholesterol levels and improved metabolism. Plant fibers contained in cereals and whole grains can slow down the formation of cholesterol plaques. And such a form as pectin is a good means of preventing atherosclerosis.

Research conducted by domestic and foreign scientists has shown that with increased fiber consumption, the risk of certain oncological diseases (for example, colon cancer) and type II diabetes decreases. In addition, many products rich in plant fibers contain a number of useful microelements.

Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that there is a sufficient amount of plant dietary fiber in the daily diet? This is, first of all, various vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, whole grains. A person should receive at least 25 grams of fiber per day with food. If you have not consumed enough of these products so far, increase the dose gradually to prepare the gastrointestinal tract for a change in diet. Prepare vegetarian salads, be sure to include legume dishes in your diet. Instead of the usual side dishes, it is better to eat vegetable ones. During the day, try to eat at least one apple, pear or banana. Do not forget that with an increase in fiber consumption, it is necessary to increase fluid intake.

But this does not mean that all people should become vegetarians, eating only foods rich in fiber. A piece of good meat, poultry or fish along with the above-mentioned products will only benefit a person, because protein is necessary for the normal functioning of the body, and there is little of it in plant foods, and it is absorbed much worse than animal protein.

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