What are the fibers? 

The term "fiber" is generally used to indicate the vegetable substances not degraded by the enzymes of the digestive system, such as cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, lignin, and the mucilage.

These substances are found in fruits (strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, walnuts), vegetables (brussel sprouts, artichoke, onion, garlic, broccoli), legumes (lentils, chickpeas, beans) and grains (oats, brown breads and semi-integrated).

Constipation: fight it with fibers!

Many are the benefits from the consumption of fibers:

• Anti constipation: a proper daily intake of raw fibers determines expediting transit of food in the intestine, contributing to the formation of feces easily evacuated. Fiber is an excellent natural remedy to the problem of constipation, hemorrhoids, gallstones, and cancer of the colon and rectum.
• Anti-hunger: fiber, by increasing of volume in the intestines and slowing down the process of gastric emptying, cause the feeling of satiety needed to fight the appetite.
• Barrier effect: fiber reduced the absorption of glucose and harmful substances and thus they are considered an excellent defense for our health. In addition, their effectiveness is useful in the prevention of adult diabetes.

A diet rich in fibers lowers the production of cholesterol

Several studies have investigated the effects of fiber intake on lipid metabolism. The results showed a reduction of cholesterol levels and a gradual absorption of nutrients. Therefore, fibers are useful to the diet of patients with metabolic problems.

Prevention of intestinal cancer

Another important action of fiber is to reduce the risk of intestinal cancer. Related to their anti-tumor action, they have the ability to maintain an optimal intestinal pH, which prevents the development of harmful intestinal flora.