Tutorial 4: Increasing Fibre Intake

Fibre is the indigestible part of plant foods, such as vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes. It is mainly a carbohydrate and passes relatively unchanged through our stomach and intestines. There are two types of fibre: soluble fibre and insoluble fibre.

Importance of Fibre in Our Diets

1. Digestive Health: Fibre contributes to our digestive health, which can impact our immune system, mental health, disease risk, and overall health. It helps maintain bowel health and regular bowel movements.
2. Weight Management: Fibre helps you feel fuller for longer, which can aid in maintaining a healthy weight.
3. Blood Sugar Control: Fibre can improve blood sugar levels, which is beneficial for managing diabetes.
4. Heart Health: Fibre can improve cholesterol levels, lowering your risk of heart disease.
5. Cancer Prevention: A high-fibre diet may reduce your risk of certain types of cancer, including bowel cancer.

Most people don't consume enough fibre, so it's important to include a variety of plant foods in your diet to ensure you get enough each day.

Quiz

4.1 Complete these 2 sentences. 

(a) Fibre is the indigestible part of plant foods ...

(b) It is mainly a carbohydrate ...

4.2 Q&A. Why are fibre based supplements popular in weight control programs?

4.3 Unscramble the words (on the left) and connect to the words (on the right) to identify all the benefits of fibre in our diets. 

        [igisveedt]                 Health

        [mnemiu]                  Health

        [anemlt]                    Health

        [lrvealo]                    Health

        [lwboe]                     Health

Chapter Modules

4.1 How to Increase Fibre Intake

4.2 Foods High in Fibre

4.3 Soluble vs Insoluble Fibre

[main menu] [answer key] [← previous] [→ next]