Gut Health

Fibre

What is Fibre

Fibre is an essential part of a varied and balanced diet – but many of us in the UK aren’t consuming the recommended intake (30g a day). In fact, most adults eat an average of just 18g1.

What does it do?

Fibre is a friend to the digestive system. Often referred to as ‘roughage’ fibre can support digestion, help to prevent constipation, and even provide a food source for our gut bacteria. Eating enough fibre has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and bowel cancer.

Good sources of fibre

Good sources of fibre

The terms ‘soluble fibre’ and ‘insoluble fibre’ have often been used to describe the types of fibre in our diet. Most fibre-rich foods contain a mixture of both.

Foods that are rich in fibre:

  • Wholegrain and wholewheat breakfast cereals
  • Wholemeal or granary bread
  • Wholewheat pasta
  • Oats, barley and rye
  • Fruits – like figs, pears, prunes, berries and oranges
  • Vegetables – like parsnips, broccoli, carrots and sweetcorn
  • Legumes – like lentils, peas, beans and chickpeas
  • Nuts and seeds
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Did you know?

  • Eating fibre rich foods can help keep you feeling fuller for longer – helpful when trying to achieve or maintain a healthy weight.
  • Fibre is only found in plant-based foods such as fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds. Food originating from animals don’t contain any fibre.

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