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Some nutritionists blame the lack of fiber in our diets for the increasing amount of heart patients and growing numbers of people who suffer from bowel disorders. This may be true because white bread, cake, sugar, salt and processed foods have become predominant in our diets. We also eat more meat nowadays and all of these foods lack the necessary fiber to move the food through our digestive tracts and through our stomach quickly.

This means that food is sitting in the stomach and bowels for a longer period, which could be why there has been an increase in cancers to these parts of the body. People who eat too much processed foods instead of wholegrain, fruits and vegetables may be at risk of suffering from obesity and other disorders too. We have become more aware of the correlation between the foods we eat and the wellness of our physical beings.

fiber is essential in our diets and to the well being of our health. Did you know that cellulose is the main element in fiber? All plant cell walls contain cellulose and lignin supports these structures. Pectin is the third component of fiber and found in most ripe fruits. There are two kinds of fiber - insoluble fiber and soluble fiber.

Insoluble Fiber
Insoluble fiber is used by moving foods quickly through our system and makes up the majority of the body’s waste product material. Medical practitioners believe that there is less chance of a tumour forming if the time the waste material sits in the bowel is short.

Soluble Fiber
This fiber is utilised in the body by slowing down the absorption of nutrients into the body and it delays the sugar intake into the blood. Soluble fiber also binds with cholesterol in food and this helps with its removal. This is the main reason why it is said to reduce the risk of heart attacks.

An adult should aim to consume at least 30g of fiber daily. This amount can be made up in many ways and is very achievable especially if you eat cereal and toast for breakfast.

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