A startling one in four consumers can’t readily identify foods packed with fiber, contributing to a national shortfall where people consume roughly half the recommended daily amount for optimal health.
Bridging the Fibre Gap: Why You Need More Roughage Than You Think
Most adults only get about 16.2 grams of fiber daily, far short of the 30 grams experts recommend.
- Fiber supports immune function and can help prevent heart disease and bowel cancer.
- A diet rich in fiber can be particularly crucial for those on weight loss medication.
- Simple swaps-like choosing beans over white bread-can substantially boost yoru intake.
- The food industry has a role to play in making fiber-rich choices easier.
Q: How much fiber do I really need each day?
A: Adults should aim for 30 grams of fiber daily to support overall health,including immune function and reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and certain cancers.
A new report, Bridging Britain’s Fibre Gap, highlights this widespread knowledge gap and offers practical solutions.The report emphasizes the benefits of incorporating a “rainbow” of fruits and vegetables-at least five portions daily-to increase fiber intake.
Specific foods like beans, sweet potatoes, and aubergine are highlighted as excellent sources to help adults reach that 30-gram target. “Our report includes practical steps to drive fibre consumption including clearer labelling on pack, fibre-enrichment of products and more versatility for retailers to make fibre claims,” said Grace Ricotti, head of nutrition.
The call for increased fiber consumption extends beyond individual choices. Alex Freudmann,MD for Food,wrote in the report’s foreword,”We’re doing our bit to close the fibre gap. But we can’t do it alone. We encourage others across the food industry and government to join us in driving meaningful change. Together, we can bridge Britain’s fibre gap.”
This push comes as retailers respond to evolving consumer needs,including the growing popularity of weight loss medications. A new Nutrient Dense range, featuring 20 high-fiber products, was launched earlier this month, catering to those prioritizing healthier lifestyles or managing the dietary changes associated with these medications. For individuals on weight loss drugs, maintaining adequate fiber intake is crucial, as metabolic function and immunity can be compromised when food consumption is reduced by as much as 50 percent.
Suppliers are urging the industry to emphasize the benefits of fresh produce, particularly as prepped ranges gain traction. Steve Maxwell, CEO of supplier Worldwide Fruit, noted, “I think we’re in the early stages of this journey and we need to make sure prepped ranges don’t take all the positive news, when fresh produce holds so many options for those on GLP-1 diets.”
The broader food environment is also shifting, influenced by initiatives like the government
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