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Dietary Fiber - a non-nutritive bioactive food component, has been a topic of considerable interest among nutritionists and clinicians for the past 50 years.
Fiber alters the nature of the contents of the gastrointestinal tract and modifies the absorption of other nutrients and chemicals. It helps to cleanse your body and get glowing skin by removing unwanted toxins.
Intake of fiber from grains and whole-grain foods was found to protect from colorectal cancer and other lower gastrointestinal cancers. Dietary fiber can also play a role in preventing breast cancer through nonestrogen pathways among postmenopausal women.
Recently published ConsumerReports explain the health benefits of adding more fiber to the diet
An article in Washington Post lists the four ways of why fiber is so good for your health.
-- It may prevent the absorption of fat, thus helping to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol.
-- It slows the absorption of sugar, which might help control Type 2 diabetes.
-- It speeds waste through your gut, which helps keep you regular.
-- It fills you up, which can help you limit how much you eat.
Of course, it is not only about fiber, but other nutrients that fiber-rich foods contain - a more holistic approach can better explain the benefits of fiber. So do not look for pills but for foods labeled as "good sources" of fiber (~3g/serving), choose whole grains, munch on raw carrots or celery, eat apple, banana, carrot or other fruits or vegetables, add beans or lentils to soups and salads. Check also 8 ways to eat more fiber and more on science behind it.
Be careful with fiber if you have irritable bowel though - but this is a different story.
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