What is insoluble fibre?
Insoluble fibre is a coarse material that does not dissolve in water, passing through the digestive system almost unchanged.
What it does:
- Prevent or relieve constipation – insoluble fibre bulks up the food, increasing the rate at which food goes through the digestive system, relieving constipation.
- Reduce the risk of bowel cancer – when food moves through the digestive tract quickly, there is not enough time for harmful material to build up in the intestine. This could help prevent bowel cancer.
- Prevent hemorrhoids – insoluble fibre makes food move at a faster pace in the intestine, reducing the pressure in the intestine, which is the principal reason for hemorrhoids.
Good sources of insoluble fibre are:
- cereals
- wholemeal and wholegrain bread
- pasta
- skins of fruits and vegetables
- nuts