Fibre keeps you moving and living longer

YOU can’t help but think of bowel movements whenever you hear the word fibre.

But you may be surprised to know fibre offers a host of other health benefits and if you’re not getting enough, you’re more prone to developing serious health conditions.

So, how much fibre should you consume daily to prevent chronic disease and premature mortality?

This question is what prompted the World Health Organisation to commission a new study, examining 40 years of research.

The new research aimed to develop new guidelines for dietary fibre consumption, and reveal which carbs protect the most against chronic diseases and can ward off weight gain.

To conduct the research, scientists examined the data from 185 observational studies – amounting to 135 million person-years – and 58 clinical trials.

The scientists then investigated the incidence of certain chronic diseases, as well as the rate of premature deaths resulting from them.

The results, published in The Lancet, found those who consumed 25–29g of fibre a day were 15–30 per cent less likely to die prematurely from any cause or have a cardiovascular condition than those who ate less fibre.

Furthermore, consuming foods rich in fibre correlated with a 16–24 per cent lower incidence of coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and colon cancer.

The average Australian adult only consumes 20–25g a day – well below the study’s recommended intake. www.bodyandsoul.com.au