Benefits of Fiber in Diet

Increasing fiber intake offers numerous health benefits, including a 5% reduction in the risk of depression with every additional five grams consumed. Consuming seven grams of fiber, roughly equivalent to half a can of chickpeas, correlates with a 9% decrease in heart disease risk, an unspecified reduction in type 2 diabetes risk, and an 8% lower risk of colorectal cancer. Fiber not only supports gut health but also aids in maintaining satiety, slows sugar absorption to enhance energy levels, and promotes fullness signals through gut expansion. Additionally, fiber feeds gut microbiota, leading to the production of beneficial metabolites crucial for overall health.