by Ronnie Dauber

Created on: May 21, 2009   Last Updated: November 04, 2009

Did you know that fibre foods are not only a necessary component to a healthy body but that they are delicious to eat? There is a wide spectrum of choice for delicious fibre foods waiting for you right in your grocery store and most of them are affordable and convenient.

Why is fibre important?

Fibre regulates the digestive system by keeping it clean so that it can operate freely. This is not only essential in preventing weight gain, but it also helps to maintain a clean colon which in turn aids in the prevention of colon cancer. As well, fibre helps to keep cholesterol levels under control which is helpful in the prevention of heart disease and strokes.

Fibre comes in two forms: soluble and insoluble. Both are necessary in the daily food intake to maintain good health, and both are provided through different foods sources. And unfortunately, even though they are crucial to our health they are the first to be eliminated through extreme dieting because they are the carbs that are restricted for the purpose of losing weight.

The insoluble fibre is what is referred to as roughage and is found in grains such as wheat bran, whole wheat products and brown rice. Fruit skins from apples and pears, as well as vegetables including raw carrots and broccoli, potato skins and peas also put this roughage into the digestive tract. It's this roughage that keeps the digestive system clean and moving, which prevents constipation and lowers the risk of some cancers, as well as aids with other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.

The soluble fibres are the softer fibres that are found in foods such as lentils and legumes, and grains such as oat bran, oatmeal, flax and barley, and fresh fruits such as raw apples, pears and strawberries. These fibres help to maintain a low cholesterol level as well as aid in the control of blood sugar in diabetics.

There are many delicious fibre foods that make excellent snacks and inviting meals. Here are a few delicious fibre snacks that you can eat alone or mix for a delicious fibre snack blend.

1) Fresh fruit such as pears and apples (with their skins), whole or sliced and sprinkled with cinnamon. Fresh raspberries and strawberries, whole or mixed with plain organic yogurt.

2) Carrot sticks, broccoli and pepper slices, eaten alone or with a delicious dip.

3) Seeds such as sunflower seeds and nuts such as peanuts (unsalted).

4) Dried fruits such as apricots, dates and figs.

5) A mixture of either the dried fruit

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