How a High Fiber Diet Can Save Your Life
By now many know the benefits of a high fiber diet. Although there are many that do follow a high fiber diet the majority of people do not. I believe the reason why many people do not follow a high fiber diet is that they truely don't realise what fiber does within the body and how beneficial it is in keep them healthy
It is a known fact that fiber is necessity for an effective digestive system and for the elimination of waste products.Since fiber, also known as roughage cannot be digested it provides a coarseness which cleans out your internal track.
Most people do not get enough fiber and this could be the reason for many diseases and for the problem of obesity in the world. So what is enough fiber?Through extensive research scientist have determined, on an average, a person should consume approximately 30 grams of fiber per day. Most people have no idea how much fiber they consume daily. Most people at best consume about half the daily recommended amount. Now it does vary from diet to diet and culture to culture but if your diet is not one that consist of 5 to 6 serving of fruits and vegetables per day and if you are not consuming whole wheats and whole grain cereals and breads chances are you are not getting the recommended daily amount of fiber in your diet.
So whats the big deal? We have all heard this for years to consume more fiber and even though we may not be, we are all still living, right? Yes, this is true but are you as healthy as you could be? Are you really consuming the diet that will actually keep you healthy for years to come, or will the lack of fiber in your diet contribute, and maybe its currently contributing, to a level of health that is below optimal levels.
So what is fiber anyway?Well fiber is the roughage parts of the food that cannot be fully digested. Fiber comes in two forms soluble and insoluble. Each type of fiber plays a certain roll in your digestive track and aids your body in different ways.
Soluble fiber is the type of fiber that dissolves in water. As it dissolves it forms a jelly like substance creating bulk. When this bulk or jelly is in the small intestine it has the qualities that will absorb the cholesterol from your digestive track and eliminate it from your body through your waste. Since this cholesterol is pulled out of the digestive track the body then pulls cholesterol from the blood system regulating the digestive system and lowering your cholesterol level in your blood stream. Soluble fiber can reduce your serum cholesterol and LDL (bad cholesterol) by as much as 15%. You can consume your soluble fibers through oat bran, apples, citrus, pears , beans and psyllum
The other type of fiber, insoluble fiber, does not dissolve in water, it is actually the more course and bulky fiber that moves through and cleanses your digestive system.Insoluble fiber has the qualities to slow down the speed in which sugar is absorbed into your blood stream and is also great in treating constipation. People who are diabetics can benefit from consuming insoluble fiber since it regulates the blood sugar levels and curbs sugar spike overloads. Insoluble fiber can be found in such foods as wheat bran, cabbage and root vegetables.
Weight management is another, sometimes overlooked, benefit of a high fiber diet. Typically you will consume less calories when eating a high fiber diet because the fiber will make you feel fuller quicker and for a longer period of time. It also helps in faster elimination of waste which can reduce weight. Some additional health benefits of a high fiber diet include the reduced risk of cancer, alleviates hemorrhoids, reduces or cures constipation, and the reduction of glucose levels.
There are so many health benefits with an increased fiber diet which will help you feel better, look better and reduce or eliminate the risk of many diseases. By doing a few new things like consuming more fruits, both dried and fresh,eating more green leafy vegetables and reading labels to see how much soluble and insolube fiber is in the foods you consume, one can start to assist their body in functioning at an higher level of health.
The author is in pursuit of the complete life. A life that works on all levels, abundant in health, personal growth, relationships and a spiritual connecting to all that is. You can visit his site at http://www.mycompletelife.com to find other great resources on health, personal development, spiritual growth and anything that will help you improve your life.