Should you eat more fibre? Experts on how much you need and what foods provide lots of it
Fibre offers benefits from improved digestion to better heart health – but think twice before going all out on ‘fibermaxxing’
Consumers who have had their fill of finding protein added to everything from cereal to ice cream are about to meet the next big food fad: fibre.
Protein-enhanced products have been trending for years. However, the number of new products promoted with high or added fibre saw a big uptick in the United States this year, according to market research firm Mintel.
Hundreds of videos on social media celebrate the benefits of dietary fibre and share recipes to help viewers incorporate more of it in their diets.
There is even a term for trying to meet or exceed the recommended daily fibre intake: “fibermaxxing”.
“I think fibre will be the next protein,” PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta said during a recent conference call with investors. “Consumers are starting to understand that fibre is the benefit that they need.”
Fibre’s benefits
Unlike muscle-building protein, fibre is not sexy. It is a carbohydrate found in plants that your body cannot break down. It helps feed gut bacteria and aids the movement of food through the digestive system.