Do you sometimes have problems like feeling full or constipated? Or do you feel like you need to control your weight and stay a little healthier? Today we are going to talk about a superhero hidden in our food that helps with all of this. That is fiber, or as we all know it, 'fiber'.
Why is this fiber so important to us?
Simply put, fiber is a type of carbohydrate that our bodies cannot digest, but is essential for the health of our gastrointestinal tract. It is found mainly in plant foods, such as vegetables, fruits, grains, and nuts.
There are two types of fibers:
- Soluble Fiber: These dissolve in water and form a gel. This helps reduce bad cholesterol levels in the body and also helps control blood sugar levels.
- Insoluble Fiber: These do not dissolve in water. Like a little sponge, they help stool move through our intestines more easily. These are great for preventing constipation.
So the main benefits we get from eating more fiber are:
- Cholesterol decreases.
- The risk of heart disease decreases.
- It is easier to control weight. (Eating fiber-rich foods makes you feel full, which helps control overeating.)
- Constipation is gone and the functioning of the digestive system is improving.
- Helps control conditions like diabetes.
But, before you start eating fiber, know this!
Although fiber is a good thing, it's not a good idea to add too much to your diet all at once. It takes a while for our intestines to get used to it. So keep these points in mind.
- Drink plenty of water: When you increase your fiber intake, you should also increase your water intake. Otherwise, the fiber may not work properly and constipation may worsen.
- Start slowly: Don't make a big change in one day. Gradually add more fiber-rich foods to your diet over a week or two. This will give your digestive system time to adjust to the change.
- Ask your doctor: If you already have a digestive condition like constipation or heartburn, be sure to talk to your doctor before making any changes to your diet. He or she will advise you on the best option for you.
Okay, so how do we eat more fiber? Here are 6 ways!
It is said that we need about 25 grams of fiber per day. Here are some easy ways to add this amount to our diet.
1. Choose whole grains whenever possible.
Instead of white bread, try eating whole-wheat bread, whole-wheat bread, or brown rice. Instead of white rice, eat brown rice (brown rice). When buying something at the store, look for the words "whole grain" or "whole grain" on the ingredient list. Not all foods that say "multigrain" contain whole grains.
Imagine, if you eat two slices of wholemeal bread instead of two slices of white bread, you'll get about 4 extra grams of fiber.
2. Choose something high in fiber for breakfast.
Eating oats for breakfast is a great way to start your day. You can also choose breakfast cereals that are low in sugar and high in fiber. However, many cereals contain unnecessary amounts of added sugar, so it's important to read the label.
3. Eat nuts a few days a week
Nuts are a great food full of fiber and protein. Finding them in our country is not difficult at all.
- Lentils: Lentil soup is a must for lunch and dinner.
- Chickpeas, peas, and green beans: Boil them and eat them with tea, or make them into a soup.
- For salads: Add some boiled chickpeas and peas to the vegetable salad you are making.
4. Add a few servings of fruit a day.
Fruit is a delicious way to get fiber and vitamins, but eating whole fruit is the best way to get the most fiber, rather than drinking fruit juice.
- Eat a banana or an apple as a snack between meals.
- Add some papaya and mango pieces to decorate your lunch plate.
- After dinner, eat some fruit pieces with yogurt for dessert.
5. Add a teaspoon of ground flaxseed to your meals.
Flaxseed is a superfood that is rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber. You can grind flaxseeds and add about a teaspoon to your porridge, smoothie, or even broth. With this one teaspoon, you can add about 3 grams of fiber.
6. Eat lots of vegetables!
Include a vegetable in every meal. Be sure to include something like a salad for lunch, two or three curries, and a salad for dinner. It is also a good habit to eat things like carrots, cucumbers, and cabbage that can be eaten raw during meals.
| Common high-fiber foods in Sri Lanka | Average fiber intake (grams) |
|---|---|
| 1/2 cup cooked lentils | About 7-8 grams |
| 1/2 cup boiled chickpeas | About 6 grams |
| 1 medium-sized sweet potato | About 4 grams |
| 1 medium-sized banana | About 3 grams |
| 3/4 cup cooked oats | About 3 grams |
| 1 cup of chopped gotukola | About 2-3 grams |
By making small changes like this, you too can easily get the amount of fiber your body needs and live a healthier life.
Take-Home Message
- Fiber is an essential nutrient that helps lower cholesterol, control weight, and prevent constipation.
- When adding fiber to your diet, start small and don't forget to drink plenty of water .
- You can easily get the fiber you need by including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts in every meal.
- If you already have a digestive condition, it is important to talk to your doctor before making any major changes to your diet.


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