- The Forgotten Essential Nutrient: Fiber
- Fiber and Mental Well-being
- Impact on Cognitive Health
- Tips to Increase Fiber Intake
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The Forgotten Essential Nutrient: Fiber
In a world where proteins dominate conversations about nutrition, fiber often takes a back seat. However, its role in health is fundamental.
The lack of fiber in the diet is closely related to various chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and colon cancer.
This nutrient is not only vital for digestion, but it has also been found to have a significant impact on mental and cognitive health.
Fiber and Mental Well-being
Recent research has begun to reveal the connection between fiber and mental health. It has been observed that a higher intake of fiber is associated with a lower risk of developing depression.
This could be due to the short-chain fatty acids produced by the gut microbiome when digesting fiber, which have anti-inflammatory effects on the brain. In fact, increasing fiber in the diet by just 5 grams per day could reduce the risk of depression by 5%.
Quince: a delicious food high in fiber Impact on Cognitive Health
In addition to its benefits for mental health, fiber also plays a crucial role in cognitive function, especially in older adults.
A study from King’s College London showed that fiber intake improves memory and cognitive function, particularly in people over 60 years old.
Those who increased their fiber intake showed a notable improvement in memory tests, suggesting that fiber could be a powerful tool in the fight against cognitive decline and diseases like Alzheimer's.
Tips to Increase Fiber Intake
To enjoy the benefits of fiber, it is important to integrate it gradually into the diet. Increasing your intake abruptly can cause discomfort such as bloating and gas.
Therefore, it is recommended to increase fiber little by little and from various sources, as each food offers a unique profile that enriches the gut microbiome. Incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains can ensure an adequate intake of this valuable nutrient and contribute to a healthier and more balanced life.
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