5 fiber-rich foods to strengthen digestion
A fiber-rich diet plays an important role in improving the digestive system, controlling weight and promoting overall health. Eating fiber-rich foods not only improves digestion, it also benefits many aspects of health.
Fiber promotes the growth of good bacteria in the body and helps prevent many serious diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. According to the Harvard report (Ref), consuming fiber reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, type-2 diabetes and colon cancer.
Fiber helps to improve the digestive system, increase the absorption of nutrients, and strengthen the immune system. Therefore, it is better to include high fiber foods (fiber enriched foods) in the diet for intestinal health.
How does fiber improve the digestive system?
It cleans the stomach by pushing food stuck in the intestines. Fiber improves digestion and prevents constipation, piles, stomach problems or rectal problems.
There are two types of fiber, soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber dissolves in water, which mixes with water to form a gel-like substance in our digestive system. It reduces the amount of cholesterol and glucose in the blood. Soluble fiber found in legumes, apples, carrots, barley, etc. also helps in weight loss.
Fiber-rich foods
Lentils and beans
Lentils are an excellent source of soluble and insoluble fiber, which can prove to be an excellent option for improving gut health. One cup of cooked lentils contains about 15 grams of fiber. Lentils are also rich in probiotics, which nourish the good bacteria in the stomach. Lentils can be easily mixed with soups and salads.
Fruits and vegetables
Consuming fiber-rich foods like apples, pears, oranges, carrots, broccoli, and spinach can benefit health in many ways. Apples can be cut with the peel and eaten as a snack or mixed in a salad. It can also be eaten mixed with curd.
Whole grains
Fiber-rich foods like brown rice, oats, quinoa, and whole wheat bread provide many health benefits. Consuming fiber-rich foods makes you feel fuller for longer, which helps prevent overeating and help control weight.
Fiber-rich snacks
Choosing fiber-rich snacks is very beneficial for health. You can have a healthy snack by adding fruit to low fat curd. It also provides fiber along with probiotics. Nuts like walnuts, almonds and pistachios can also be eaten. They also contain a lot of fiber, by consuming which you can get fiber along with healthy fats.
Salad
Cucumbers, radishes and carrots contain fiber and plenty of water. Its daily intake provides various benefits to the body. Its consumption helps in reducing the amount of cholesterol in the body and its daily consumption also helps in reducing body weight. Cucumbers, radishes and carrots are also rich in vitamins and minerals.
Other benefits of fiber
Fiber works effectively in cholesterol, blood pressure and sugar problems. Foods rich in fiber control blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attack. Fiber is also effective in weight loss. For this reason, doctors and nutritionists advise eating fibrous vegetables and salads to lose weight.
Fiber controls the amount of cholesterol in the body and prevents heart disease.