We seem to be endlessly being told to eat more fibre have more wholegrains make sure we have five portions a day.

Well what is fibre what does it do where do we get it.

Fibre is only found in the cell walls of plants. Animal products, such as fish meat dairy and  eggs do not contain fibre. Fibre contains different complex carbohydrates and can be generally divided into two types: insoluble and soluble. Insoluble fibre usually pass through the gut undigested, while soluble fibre is broken down by bacteria in the the large bowel.

Fibre which is sometimes called roughage, is essential for healthy bowel movements. When fibre moves to your bowel, it absorbs a lot of water and increases the bulk of any waste matter. It also makes the waste softer and increases the speed and ease with which it passes through your bowel.

What foods contain fibre?

Grain products like whole wheat breads, oat or bran cereals and whole wheat pasta. Fruits, vegetables, beans, legumes, lentils and chickpeas are all great ways to get fibre.

What is dietary fibre?

Dietary fibre or ‘roughage’ comprises the edible parts of plant that cannot be digested or absorbed in the small intestine and passes into the large intestine intact. This includes non-starch polysaccharides (e.g. cellulose, hemicellulose, gums, pectins), oligosaccharides (e.g. inulin), lignin and associated plant substances (e.g. waxes, suberin). The term dietary fibre also includes a type of starch known as resistant starch (found in pulses, partly-milled seeds and grains, some breakfast cereals) because it resists digestion in the small intestine and reaches unchanged the large intestine.

Why is fibre important?

Fibre is made up of a number of complex carbohydrates. There are no calories, vitamins or minerals in fibre and it is not digested when we eat it.

Fibre is a very important part of our diet, but many of us don't eat enough of it. On average, most people in the UK only eat about 12g of fibre a day. You should be aiming to eat at least 18g.

Soluble fibre can be digested by your body, and may help to reduce the amount of cholesterol that is in your blood. Cholesterol is a naturally occurring fatty substance that can clog up your arteries if you eat a diet that is too high in fat. Beans, oats, and lentils are good sources of soluble fibre.Think about your diet keep fast food and processed foods to a minimum,Also worth bearing in mind your intake of fibre needs to be part of an healthy lifestyle,get regular exercise moderate your alchohol intake look after yourself.

So to feel and look great remember you are what you eat, and as always check with your doctor before starting any new diet plan or fitness regime.

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