Fibre Myths

Too much fibre upsets my digestive system

Fact: Fibre is essential for a healthy digestive system and most Australians don't get nearly enough. On average we consume 18-25g of fibre daily - whereas health authorities recommend we should consume a minimum of 30g every day.  As well as helping with digestion, some types of fibre may also help with stabilising our glucose and cholesterol levels. Fibre-rich foods are often bulky and, therefore, filling. They also tend to be low in fat.

 Fresh ideas on increasing fibre:

• Choose brown rice, wholemeal flour and pasta, and wholegrain cereals and bread instead of white wherever possible as they are less refined and therefore have more natural fibre. Most wholemeal choices are also higher in vitamins and minerals than refined products.
• For a filling, fibre-rich salad, combine couscous, roasted pumpkin, rocket lettuce, fetta, snow peas and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with olive oil and top with crumbled walnuts. 
• A fruit salad is a delicious and easy way to get natural fibre. Make your fruit salad interesting by including seasonal fruits such as quince, guava, nashi pears, pomegranate or raspberries.