Healthy digestion, fast metabolism and even mental health depend on whether fiber is enough in our diet.
Weight gain
Fiber is a very useful substance for those who follow their figure. Foods that have a high fiber content have to be chewed more thoroughly and we get a saturation signal faster, which is why we eat less. In addition, fiber literally fills the stomach, bringing a feeling of satiety and not allowing us to eat more high-calorie foods. So if you started to gain weight quickly, check your diet: it may be lacking in fiber.
Constant hunger
One of the surest signs of an unbalanced diet is a constant feeling of hunger that occurs shortly after eating. If you eat enough fiber, dietary fiber retains a feeling of satiety for a long time. But if you constantly want to eat, most likely you are lacking in nutrients. Instead of drowning your hunger with fatty foods or light carbohydrates, eat a serving of beans or a plate of boiled broccoli.
High cholesterol
One of the most beneficial properties of fiber is that it helps keep cholesterol under control. The fact is that dietary fiber binds cholesterol in the small intestine that comes with food and prevents it from entering the bloodstream. But if there is too little fiber in your diet, there is no one to protect your blood vessels – and your cholesterol level will increase.
High blood sugar
Another reason you should eat enough fiber is its ability to regulate blood sugar. It is fiber that regulates the rate at which sugar contained in food will be absorbed into the blood, and ultimately helps keep blood glucose levels at a safe level.
Stomach ache
Pain and irritation in the lining of the colon may also be associated with a low fiber diet. Some studies confirm a direct link between the risk of developing diverticulitis – a disease in which the tissue lining the intestinal cavity becomes inflamed – and a lack of fiber.
Picture Credit: Alice Pasqual