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Dietary fiber in your meals also referred to as roughage, is the indigestible part of food that is vitally essential in the body. It assists in preventing or treating constipation by absorbing water hence making the stool softer and firmer. Due to this benefit of fibers, it prevents hemorrhoids and diverticulosis – the inflammation of the intestinal wall. Dietary fiber binds to cholesterol which then passes out of the body leading to a reduction of cholesterol levels in the body and this in turn lowers the risk of coronary heart disease.

A diet high in fiber encourages the loss of weight since it gives a feeling of being satisfied when only a small amount has been consumed. Due to the fact that diet fiber do not contain any fats, it serves well as a weight reducing food. Another importance of fiber in your diet is that it controls blood sugar levels in your body by slowing down the absorption of the sugar into your system, which is particularly beneficial to those with diabetes.

The amount of fiber consumed greatly depends on the age of the person and the health condition of a person. Plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains are the only source of dietary fibers. However, the amount of fiber content in the various plant foods varies. Animal products do not contain any fiber. Most of the fiber is contained in the peels, hulls and seeds; therefore removal of the same reduces the fiber content. Foods that are processed, such as bread, loose much of their fiber content; whole wheat brown bread has more fiber content than white bread. Drying of these foods, such as in grapes and dates also work in destroying the absorption ability of the fibers hence reducing their potency as dietary fibers.Keep looking, there’s more: Foods to Have and to Avoid for Diverticulosis