A systematic analysis identifies low wholegrain intake, particularly fiber, as the leading risk factor for diet-related health problems. Despite the known benefits of fiber—such as reducing risks for several diseases—daily intake is far below the recommended levels in many countries. For example, adults in the UK consume around 19g of fiber daily, well below the 30g target. Moreover, increasing fiber intake can significantly reduce risks associated with noncommunicable diseases. Many people avoid fiber due to misconceptions about its taste and side effects, making dietary education essential.
Fibre feels like the forgotten nutrient, says Dr Samantha Gill, a specialist gastroenterology dietitian for the British Dietetic Association.
Every 7g daily increase in fibre (half a tin of baked beans) can lower your risk of noncommunicable diseases by up to 9%.
A landmark study published in 2019 showed that a fibre-rich diet reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and colon cancer by 16-24%.
Most countries have a recommended daily fibre intake of 30g for adults; the UK increased its target from 24g to 30g a decade ago.
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