What are the health benefits of dietary fibers?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 40-year-old female. I heard some information about dietary fiber. May I know what dietary fiber is? How does it help with better digestion and weight management? What are the other health benefits gained from taking dietary fiber every day? How much dietary fiber has to be taken every day? Can it be given to children over five years old? Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Dietary fiber is found in wholegrain cereals, fruit, and vegetables. Fiber is made up of the indigestible parts or compounds of plants, which pass relatively unchanged through our stomach and intestines. Fiber is mainly a carbohydrate.Dietary fibers are defined as the fibrous matter found in food that cannot be digested. It is also commonly referred to as roughage and contains cellulose, which is an indigestible carbohydrate. Insoluble fiber, soluble fiber, and prebiotic fiber are all essential to our health and well-being. Here is why and which foods have them: There are three forms of fiber, and we need some of each to thrive.Beans, peas, and lentils are excellent sources of fiber. Add kidney beans to canned soup or a green salad. Or make nachos with refried black beans, lots of fresh veggies, whole-wheat tortilla chips, and salsa. Eat more fruit and vegetables.Although there is no dietary reference intake for insoluble or soluble fiber, many experts recommend a total dietary fiber intake of 25 to 30 grams per day, with about one-fourth, or six to eight grams per day, coming from soluble fiber.Normally, a five-year-old should consume roughly 10 to 15 grams of fiber every day. A ten-year-old should consume 15 to 20 grams of fiber every day. A 15-year-old should consume 20 to 25 grams of fiber every day.

I hope that you get your answer.Please let me know if you need some help.Thank you