The Importance Of Fiber
You may have heard that most people only get about half of the daily recommended amount of fiber. Why is this, and why should you care? How important can fiber be if people aren’t getting that much of it? The truth is that fiber is very, very important. Fiber comes in two types, soluble and insoluble. Both are good for the body and provide the same types of benefits. Here are just a few of the reasons fiber is so important in our diets:
• It helps to make your bowel movements more regular and normal. Fiber helps to increase the size and weight of stool, which makes it easier to pass. This means you won’t be constipated. If you often have diarrhea, fiber can help to make your stool more solid by adding bulk and absorbing some of the water.
• Eating a good amount of fiber every day can also decrease your chance of hemorrhoids and of diverticulitis.
• The fiber found in some foods—beans, flaxseed, and oats—has been linked to lower cholesterol levels. It helps to decrease the amount of low-density lipoprotein, the bad cholesterol.
• Fiber has been connected to a number different heart benefits, including helping to reduce blood pressure.
• Soluble fiber can help slow down how quickly the body absorbs sugar, which can help those with diabetes. Eating a diet high in insoluble fiber may also help reduce the chance of type 2 diabetes.
How much fiber do you need in a day? If you’re a man under age 50, you need about 38 grams. Over 51, you need about 30. For women, it’s 25 grams (under 50) and 21 grams (over 51).
You may also want to start taking an acai berry supplement. Research has shown that a supplement such as the acai berry may be able to provide you with a number of benefits.
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These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to treat, diagnose, or cure any diseases.