Filling Up on Fibre

From SouthBeachDiet.com

Weight-loss programs such as the South Beach Diet® are fibre-rich plans, designed to encourage eating plenty of high-fibre foods, such as legumes, whole grains, and whole fruits and vegetables. Why the emphasis on fibre? A high-fibre diet can help normalize your blood sugar levels, improve your cholesterol levels, have a positive effect on bowel function, and help keep you from feeling hungry, which aids in weight loss.

"Fibre plays an important role in long-term health," says Dr. Arthur Agatston, preventive cardiologist and author of the best-selling the South Beach Diet®, "but as a society, we don't consume nearly enough. According to some statistics, Americans only eat between 12 and 17 grams per day when they should be getting 25-30 grams per day."

There are two forms of fibre: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fibre helps regulate blood sugar levels by delaying the absorption of glucose in your blood stream. It also improves cholesterol levels by reducing the absorption of cholesterol in the blood stream.

Insoluble fibre adds bulk to your stool, which promotes regularity. It's important to consume both types of fibre for good health. Most foods contain both types of fibre, but oats, nuts, beans, and fruit contain predominately soluble fibre while whole grains and vegetables contain more insoluble fibre.