Why fibre is essential for your health

Fibre is an essential but often underappreciated part of a healthy diet. This powerful nutrient offers countless benefits for your body. In this article, we take you on a journey into the world of fibre: what it is, what it does and how it contributes to your overall well-being.

What is fibre?
Fibre is the indigestible part of plant-based foods. Unlike other nutrients such as fats, proteins or carbohydrates, fibre is not broken down and absorbed by the body. Instead, it travels through the digestive system, absorbing water along the way and helping to remove waste products.

In addition, certain fibres, known as prebiotic fibres, are fermented by the ‘good gut bacteria’, which use them as food. This strengthens your gut flora and has a positive effect on your gut health, while also supporting the balance of your microbiome.

Different Types of Fibre
Fibre is divided into two main types: soluble and insoluble fibre.

• Insoluble fibre: This fibre is found in whole grain products, vegetables and fruit. It mainly helps to add bulk to the stool and promotes regular bowel movements.
• Soluble fibre: You can find this fibre in vegetables, fruit and legumes. Not only does it help with healthy bowel movements, but it also has a positive effect on the gut microbiome, which contributes to a healthy digestive system.

Ensure a Good Mix of Fibre
A varied fibre intake is important. It is therefore crucial to obtain fibre not only from vegetables, but also from other sources such as fruit, legumes and wholemeal products. By alternating between different types of fibre, you will consume a wider range of nutrients, which will benefit your intestinal health.

Health Benefits of Fibre
The health benefits of fibre are diverse and offer support on several fronts:

• Digestive health: Fibre promotes healthy bowel movements and can help keep digestion running smoothly.
• Blood sugar control: Fibre can help regulate blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of sugar.
• Cholesterol regulation: Soluble fibre contributes to maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.
• Weight management: Fibre helps create a feeling of fullness, which can contribute to weight management.

Source: Fibre. Nutrition Centre. (n.d.) Retrieved on 22 October 2025, from https://www.voedingscentrum.nl/encyclopedie/vezels.aspx#blokwaarom-zijn-vezels-gezond

How much fibre do you need?
Did you know that 75% of the population does not eat enough fibre? To find out how much fibre you are consuming, you can track your diet for a few days using a food tracker app. This will help you gain insight into your current fibre intake and whether you can add some extra fibre to your diet. The guideline is 30-40 grams of fibre per day for a healthy diet!Fibre Why fibre is essential for your health

is an essential but often underappreciated part of a healthy diet. This powerful nutrient offers countless benefits for your body. In this article, we take you on a journey into the world of fibre: what it is, what it does and how it contributes to your overall well-being.

What is fibre?
Fibre is the indigestible part of plant-based foods. Unlike other nutrients such as fats, proteins or carbohydrates, fibre is not broken down and absorbed by the body. Instead, it travels through the digestive system, absorbing water along the way and helping to remove waste products.

In addition, certain fibres, known as prebiotic fibres, are fermented by the ‘good gut bacteria’, which use them as food. This strengthens your gut flora and has a positive effect on your gut health, while also supporting the balance of your microbiome.

Different Types of Fibre
Fibre is divided into two main types: soluble and insoluble fibre.

• Insoluble fibre: This fibre is found in whole grain products, vegetables and fruit. It mainly helps to add bulk to the stool and promotes regular bowel movements.
• Soluble fibre: You can find this fibre in vegetables, fruit and legumes. Not only does it help with healthy bowel movements, but it also has a positive effect on the gut microbiome, which contributes to a healthy digestive system.

Ensure a Good Mix of Fibre
A varied fibre intake is important. It is therefore crucial to obtain fibre not only from vegetables, but also from other sources such as fruit, legumes and wholemeal products. By alternating between different types of fibre, you will consume a wider range of nutrients, which will benefit your intestinal health.

Health Benefits of Fibre
The health benefits of fibre are diverse and offer support on several fronts:

• Digestive health: Fibre promotes healthy bowel movements and can help keep digestion running smoothly.
• Blood sugar control: Fibre can help regulate blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of sugar.
• Cholesterol regulation: Soluble fibre contributes to maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.
• Weight management: Fibre helps create a feeling of fullness, which can contribute to weight management.

Source: Vezels. Voedingscentrum. (n.d.) Retrieved on 22 October 2025, from https://www.voedingscentrum.nl/encyclopedie/vezels.aspx#blokwaarom-zijn-vezels-gezond

How much fibre do you need?
Did you know that 75% of the population does not eat enough fibre? To find out how much fibre you are consuming, you can track your diet for a few days using a food tracker app. This will help you gain insight into your current fibre intake and whether you can add some extra fibre to your diet. The guideline is 30-40 grams of fibre per day for a healthy diet!