Researchers are looking at how this may play a role in preventing diseases of the colon. Lowers cholesterol levels. Soluble fiber found in beans, oats, flaxseed and oat bran may help lower total blood cholesterol levels by lowering low-density lipoprotein, or "bad," cholesterol levels.
Having a healthy balanced diet high in wholegrains and fibre can help reduce your risk of bowel cancer. Wholegrains are things like brown rice, whole wheat pasta, oats and wholegrain bread. Wholegrains are high in fibre.
Fiber is a superstar nutrient – it can lower your cholesterol, help you maintain a healthy weight and may even prevent colon cancer. Here are seven reasons to make sure you're getting enough fiber in your diet.
HFG nutritionist Claire Turnbull explains how to include three types of fibre (soluble, insoluble and resistant starch) into your diet.
Fiber comes in two varieties, both beneficial to health:
Soluble fiber, which dissolves in water, can help lower glucose levels as well as help lower blood cholesterol. Foods with soluble fiber include oatmeal, chia seeds, nuts, beans, lentils, apples, and blueberries.
What fruits are highest in fiber? Passion fruit, avocado, and guava are some fruits with the highest fiber content per serving. Berries are also high in fiber, especially raspberries and blackberries.
Citrucel (methylcellulose) is mainly insoluble fibers that are nonfermentable, so it's less likely to contribute to bloating and gas. Psyllium husk (Metamucil and Konsyl) is rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber. Generally, fiber supplements with mainly insoluble fiber may be a better option for constipation.
Soluble fiber is found in oats, peas, beans, apples, citrus fruits, carrots, barley and psyllium. Insoluble fiber. This type of fiber promotes the movement of material through your digestive system and increases stool bulk, so it can be of benefit to those who struggle with constipation or irregular stools.
Try natural laxatives that work fast for constipation relief, which include: aloe vera, leafy greens, chia and flax seeds, high fiber fruits, probiotic foods, and coconut water. Also make sure to drink plenty of water/fluids when consuming natural laxatives, since these work with high fiber foods to help soften stool.
Oatmeal, quinoa, whole-grain bread, and cereals are all great choices. Whole grains are a good source of dietary fiber, magnesium and plant polyphenol compounds. There is strong scientific evidence that eating whole grains decreases the risk of colorectal cancer.
Raspberries, pears, apples, bananas, and oranges may also help to prevent colon cancer because they contain antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that help in delaying the effects of cell damages. Fiber found in fruits also keeps the colon healthy by keeping bowel movements regular and preventing constipation.
Psyllium fiber—most commonly found in supplements like Metamucil—may be the best fiber for reducing chronic constipation. Taking at least two tablespoons of psyllium daily, over a period of time four weeks or longer, led to the best results.
Oatmeal, oat bran and high-fiber foods
Oatmeal has soluble fiber, which reduces your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the "bad" cholesterol. Soluble fiber is also found in such foods as kidney beans, Brussels sprouts, apples and pears.
Insoluble fiber adds bulk to the intestines and helps prevent constipation. Good sources of insoluble fiber include whole wheat, whole grains, wheat bran, nuts, seeds, barley, couscous, zucchini, broccoli, cabbage, dark leafy greens, grapes, root vegetable skins, brown rice, tomatoes and green beans.
Because blueberries are high in fiber and lower in sugar when compared to other fruits, they don't cause your blood sugar to spike.
Carrots, beets, and broccoli are fiber-rich. Collard greens and Swiss chard have 4 grams of fiber per cup. Artichokes are among the highest-fiber veggies, at 10 grams for a medium-sized one.
Avocados are a good source of fiber, low in total carbohydrate, and rich in monounsaturated fats. They have a low glycemic index (GI) of about 40; low glycemic foods have a rating of 55 or less. Low GI foods are less likely to cause surges in blood glucose.
Sweet potatoes are high in fibre, which has been shown to promote a healthy digestive system.