Roughage, bulk, the stuff that ‘keeps you regular’; however you describe fibre, it’s one f-word you need to use every single day. Fibre is essential for everything from helping to maintain a healthy digestive system, to reducing the chances of cancer and heart disease.
This often-overlooked macronutrient – which receives far less attention than the big-hitting proteins, carbs, and fats of this world – is found in plant-based foods. In fact, it’s the part of the plant that doesn’t get digested in your small intestine. “Instead, fibre makes its way to the large intestine or colon,” says Rob Hobson, head of nutrition at Healthspan – who adds that foods such as oats, peas, potatoes, beans, vegetables, nuts and seeds are all rich sources.
Hobson explains different fibres do different things:…
