Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Five Good Fiber Habits

To have proper digestion and a fast metabolism, regular consumption of fibre and water is essential. They are necessary for your system to run efficiently and effectively. Poor food choices speed up the breakdown of body tissues, which leads to the existence of fat in your body. We are, definitely, what we eat.

There are two types of fibre: soluble and insoluble. Insoluble fibre promotes regular bowel movement, quickly removes toxic waste and helps prevent constipation and colon cancer by keeping an optimal pH balance in the intestines. Sources include: dark leafy green vegetables, fruits, root vegetables (skins), whole wheat, nuts and seeds.

Soluble fibre helps to lower total cholesterol and bad cholesterol (LDL), reducing risks of heart disease and regulates blood sugar. Sources include: oats, nuts, flax seed, psyllium husk, oranges, apples, carrots and dried beans. Soluble fibres attach to fatty acids and slow down the time it takes to empty your stomach, meaning sugar is released and absorbed more slowly.

Here are five ways to incorporate fibre into your daily diet:

1. Drink at least three litres of water a day. Water purifies and cleanses all the systems in your body.

2. Eat more fruit--any fruit. As mentioned above, fruit is a great source of insoluble and soluble fibre which will help keep you regular and lower bad cholesterol.

3. Consume more vegetables. Just like fruit they are a great source of insoluble and soluble fibre.

4. Make an effort to incorporate whole grains into your diet. Eating grains such as kamut, spelt, amaranth, whole wheat and oat bran will keep cravings at bay and prevent you from reaching for those sweets.

5. Drink more natural fruit and vegetable juices and herbal teas.

No comments:

Post a Comment