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Fiber
Plant carbohydrate the body cannot digest — it aids fullness and digestion; adults need ~25–30 g a day.
Fiber is the part of plant carbohydrate your body cannot break down and absorb. Because it passes through largely intact, it adds bulk and slows digestion rather than delivering calories the way sugar or starch do.
That slowing is exactly what makes it useful: fiber helps you feel full for longer, smooths the blood-sugar rise from a meal, feeds beneficial gut bacteria and keeps digestion regular. It comes in two broad types — soluble (oats, beans, apples) which forms a gel, and insoluble (whole grains, vegetable skins) which adds bulk — and most whole plant foods carry a mix.
Adults are generally advised to aim for around 25–30 grams a day, and most people fall short. The fix is not a supplement but ordinary food: whole grains over refined, beans and lentils, fruit and vegetables with skins on, nuts and seeds. Increase it gradually and drink enough water, or a sudden jump can be uncomfortable.
Frequently asked questions
Fiber?
Plant carbohydrate the body cannot digest — it aids fullness and digestion; adults need ~25–30 g a day. Fiber is the part of plant carbohydrate your body cannot break down and absorb. Because it passes through largely intact, it adds bulk and slows digestion rather than delivering calories the way sugar or starch do.
