1: What is fiber?

Fiber is part of plants that cannot be digested by humans. It provides plants their strength and structure. Fiber is found in grains, cereals, oats, fruits, vegetables, psyllium husk, nuts, seeds and legumes (dried beans, peas and lentils). However, fiber found only in plant kingdom, while animals like meat, fish and milk products do not contain fiber.

2: Why is fiber important?

Health experts believe that health begins in the colon, and supplying your body with adequate fiber everyday is essential to bowel and colon functions. Fiber promotes good digestive health and prevent constipation along with its potential complications. Diets high in fiber also help to control weight by making you feel full longer after a meal and less likely to snack.

3: Who needs fiber?

Everyone should consume fiber daily especially for those diabetics, overweight or obese populations.

4: How many fibers should I consume daily and how to consume?

Nutrition recommendations are for 20-35 grams total of all types of fiber per day. Adding fiber gradually to your diet, you are also encouraged to drink more fluids when you increase the amount of fiber you eat. The recommended amount of water is eight glasses a day.

5: How long do they take to work?

You should notice the beneficial effects within 8-12 hours because everyone's system is different.

6: How does fiber affect the intestine tract?

Fiber will enhance the peristaltic movement of gastro-intestinal tract. Its gummy substance can lubricate the intestine to help the stool elimination and promotes healthier intestine.

7: Can fiber really help me to control body weight?

Fiber will prolong the retention of food in the stomach and provide a sense of fullness. These actions can help you limit calories. Besides that, a healthy diet and regular moderate exercise is also very important to help a person to control body weight.