FIBRE : YOUR BODY’S BROOM Fibre is an important non-nutrient component of food that promotes good health in many ways. Fibres are of two types i.e Soluble and insoluble. Soluble fibre such as Oat bran, dissolves to become gummy or viscous. This quality helps in lowering blood lipids and cholesterol levels. Soluble fibre help to regulate the body’s use of sugars. Dried beans and peas oats, barley, and many fruit vegetables such as apples, oranges, and carrots etc contain soluble fibres. Insoluble fibres are called roughage. This group of fibres – cellulose, hemi cellulose and lignin gives structure to plant cells. Insoluble fibre hold on water and move undigested waste in the intestines although the track. Insoluble fats promote regularity and prevent constipation. Whole wheat products, wheat and corn bran, and many vegetables such as green beans, potatoes including skins of fruits and root vegetables. Experts recommend eating more than 25-35 gms of fibre daily. Things to do to get more fibre:¨ Eat variety of food ¨ Switch to whole grains in bread and cereals ¨ Plan to eat legumes two to three times a week ¨ Eat at least five servings of fruits & vegetables, daily, with edible skin on ¨ Choose whole fruit than juice