Courses
Courses for Kids
Free study material
Offline Centres
More
Store Icon
Store

Dietary Fibre Significance: Importance in a Healthy Diet

share icon
share icon
banner

What Are the Main Functions of Dietary Fibre in Our Body?

Dietary fibre is regarded as an important component that is included in a healthy diet. It might be easily traced in cereals, certain fruits and also vegetables. It is a sort of carbohydrate that has indigestible parts of plant compounds which pass relatively unchanged through the stomach and also the intestines. Since it has the capability to pass relatively unobstructed within the stomach and intestines, it keeps the digestive system in our body healthy. Other names by which the fibre is understood include ‘bulk’ and ‘roughage’. The fibres are bulky and a few fibre forms are soluble in water and aren't so bulky or maybe rough. 


Dietary Fiber

Dietary fibre prevents heart condition, diabetes, weight gain and a few cancers. It even contributes to a number of the opposite processes like stabilizing glucose and also the cholesterol levels. In other countries with traditional diets of high-fibre, diseases like bowel cancer, coronary heart conditions and diabetes are known to be much less or common than in other countries. They are also useful as they have the ability to fulfil the belly, acting somewhat like the sponge, are slower to be digested and absorbed hence makes one feel full. It also provides bulk, which aids elimination which is how it helps to lower blood cholesterol. Children between the ages of four through eight should ideally consume around 18 g of fibre every day.

Consuming a low-fibre diet could produce varied disorders like constipation. The small, hard and dry faecal matter which is hard to pass, diverticulitis or the small hernias from the digestive tract occur due to constipation over a long time. The syndrome named irritable bowel has symptoms like pain, bloating and flatulence of the abdomen, overweight, and also obesity, diabetes characterized by an excessive amount of glucose within the blood and colon cancer, being some other disorders.

Some of the high fibre foods include beans as in chilli, soup; whole grains, rice, which offers more fibre than white rice; popcorn; nuts like almonds, pecans, and walnuts; potato along with its skin; bran cereal; oatmeal and berries.

To stay fit, for optimal health and for well-being, having a healthy diet is the must for the physical body. A proper diet has all the essential requirements of nutrients, including carbohydrates, vitamins, proteins, fats, fibre and tons more. A healthy diet provides all the essential nutrients for survival, growth and for our body organs to function accurately.


Balanced Diet

A diet might be simply defined to be the food that provides our body with the nutrients in order for it to function properly. In order to avail truly balanced nutrition, one must obtain the main share of the daily calories from fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.

Calories are a measure of units of energy. Calorie during a diet or a meal might be defined to be the amount of energy conserved in food which is successively employed by the body to perform several activities. Three meals that are consumed by a person in a day should be six hundred fifty to seven hundred calories each. Again the entire intake of calories varies between men and ladies, children and adults, etc.

Consume a diet supported by carbohydrate-rich food like potatoes, bread and rice; with many fruits and vegetables; foods that are rich in proteins like fish, lentils and meat; milk and food made from dairy products; and not an excessive amount of fatty, oily, salt or sugar, and rest assured it might give all the nutrients needed. One should eat a good sort of food within the right proportions and consume lots of water to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. 

Want to read offline? download full PDF here
Download full PDF
Is this page helpful?
like-imagedislike-image

FAQs on Dietary Fibre Significance: Importance in a Healthy Diet

1. What exactly is dietary fibre?

Dietary fibre, also known as roughage, is a type of carbohydrate found in plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Unlike other carbs, our bodies cannot digest or absorb it. It passes through the stomach and intestines largely intact, playing a crucial role in digestion and overall health.

2. What are the main health benefits of including fibre in our diet?

Including fibre in your diet offers several important health benefits. Its main roles are to:

  • Promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation.
  • Help lower bad cholesterol levels.
  • Assist in controlling blood sugar levels by slowing sugar absorption.
  • Aid in weight management by making you feel full for longer.
  • Support a healthy gut microbiome by feeding beneficial bacteria.

3. What are some common foods rich in dietary fibre?

You can easily increase your fibre intake by eating more plant-based foods. Some of the best sources include:

  • Fruits: Apples, bananas, pears, and berries.
  • Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, corn, and leafy greens.
  • Legumes: Lentils, beans, peas, and chickpeas.
  • Whole Grains: Oats, brown rice, quinoa, and whole-wheat bread.
  • Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, chia seeds, and sunflower seeds.

4. What is the difference between soluble and insoluble fibre?

Dietary fibre is categorized into two main types, and both are important for health:

  • Soluble fibre dissolves in water to create a gel-like substance. It is found in oats, beans, apples, and citrus fruits. Its primary benefit is helping to lower blood glucose and cholesterol.
  • Insoluble fibre does not dissolve in water. It is found in whole grains, nuts, and vegetables like cauliflower and potatoes. It adds bulk to stool, helping it move through the digestive system and preventing constipation.

5. How does dietary fibre work in the body if it isn't digested?

Since fibre isn't digested for energy, it performs other vital jobs. Insoluble fibre acts like a scrub brush, cleaning the digestive tract and adding bulk to waste. Soluble fibre forms a gel that slows down digestion, which prevents rapid spikes in blood sugar and helps you feel full. Both types are essential for a healthy digestive system.

6. How does fibre help in managing body weight?

Fibre aids in weight management primarily by promoting satiety, which is the feeling of fullness. High-fibre foods take longer to chew and digest, making you feel full with fewer calories. This helps reduce overall calorie intake and prevents overeating, making it a key component of a healthy weight management plan.

7. Can eating too much fibre be bad for you?

Yes, while fibre is healthy, increasing your intake too quickly can cause discomfort. Suddenly adding a large amount of fibre to your diet can lead to side effects like gas, bloating, and abdominal cramps. To avoid this, it's best to increase your fibre intake gradually over a few weeks and drink plenty of water.