Fibre

Fibre is needed to help keep our digestive system working efficiently and our hearts healthy; it also helps to balance our blood sugar, which affects our energy levels, our ability to concentrate and reduces the chances of us developing conditions such as diabetes and certain cancers. Fibre is found in two main forms in our diets – soluble and insoluble – and we need both. To maximise the fibre in your diet, keep the peel on fruits such as apples and pears and include some wholegrain products, such as porridge or wholemeal bread.

fruits
vegetables
pulses
grains

We should be eating 18g of fibre a day, yet the average for an adult in the UK is only 12g. This is why so many people have digestive problems, or don’t feel satiated enough after their meals and so are more inclined to overeat and be overweight. Rates of bowel cancer in the UK could be largely prevented by simply eating a diet rich in fibre.