Hot topics in nutrition generally see fat, carbs and protein making headlines – now, its time to bring fibre into the limelight!

Essential for good digestive health and keeping us ‘regular’, fibre-rich foods also keep us feeling fuller for longer, slow the rise of blood glucose after meals, reduce the time harmful toxins stay in the bowel, protect against colon cancer and can even lower cholesterol levels.

Fibre also receives a considerable amount of dietitian kudos for its affect on the immune system. With our gut home to around 2kg of healthy bacteria, these friendly residents love to feed on certain types of fibre, which in turn help strengthen immune defences.

The Fibre Trio

More than just ‘roughage’, fibre can be broken down into three types:

Insoluble Fibre

This fibre withstands digestion and acts like a broom in the gut, helping to move gut contents along. Rich sources include wholegrains, legumes, nuts, seeds and the skins of fruit and vegetables.

Soluble Fibre

By dissolving in water, this fibre forms a gel-like substance in the bowel. Found in legumes, oats, fruits and vegetables, these sponge-like fibres provide gastrointestinal bulk, help lower cholesterol levels and assist with blood glucose control.

Resistant Starch

Naturally found in legumes, barley, bananas and cooked and then cooled potatoes, resistant starch helps to protect against colon cancer and promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

To foster good health and vitality, it is ideal to eat a diet that includes a mix of these fibres.

How Much Fibre Do I Need?

The Australian Nutrient References Values (NRVs) recommend an intake of 30g/day for adult males and 25g/day for adult females¹.

With plant food taking the crown for fibre, let’s take a look at some top fibre options.

10 Surprisingly High Fibre Foods

1. Raspberries

Four times the fibre of strawberries and blueberries, these little morsels certainly pack a nutritional punch! They make for perfect muesli toppers; go beautifully into smoothies and they are a superb source of antioxidants. Affectionately known as natures candy, half a cup of raspberries provides 4.2g of fibre.

2. Avocado

Hands up if you usually credit avocado for its healthy fats? While you’re certainly on the money, avocados are also a great source of fibre. With around 7g of fibre found in half an avocado, it’s time to become an avocado aficionado.

3. Artichokes

Despite their prickly looks, you should make friends with artichokes. Each artichoke heart contains around 2.6g of fibre and if you’re keen to master a few culinary skills you can even cook the inner leaves. Try adding artichoke hearts into salads or as a vego topper on a wholegrain pizza base.

4. Barley

While you probably last saw this ingredient in your grandmothers chicken soup, barley is definitely making a sexy return! With just under 3g of fibre per half cup of cooked barley, toss it through salads for fibre boost or as a replacement for risotto rice to give a delicious nutty flavour. For an on-the-go barley fix, try out wraps that are also made with barley flour.

5. Black-Eyed Peas

Not just the name of an American hip-hop group, black-eyed peas contain remarkable amounts of fibre along with many other health promoting nutrients. With a winning 5.5g fibre per half cooked cup, these peas are certain chart toppers.

6. Figs

Perfect on their own as a snack, cooked in exotic tagines or simply sliced and served with yoghurt, figs are a fibre treat! Two medium figs offer around 3.3g of fibre and really are the gems of autumn fruit.

7. Psyllium

This natural fibre is such a simple way to boost your intake of soluble fibre, providing 5g fibre per tablespoon. It works beautifully when sprinkled into smoothies or stirred through yoghurt, porridge, mashed potato, muffin batters or even a glass of water.

8. Teff

As the worlds smallest grain, teff is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s estimated that 20-40% of the carbohydrates in teff are resistant starch! Teff can be used in place of cous cous and rice, cooked and sprinkled into a salad and even used in baking and pancake batters.

9. Pears

Packing 7.2 grams of fibre per medium green fruit, pears are a terrific fibre source. They make for an easy snack and are delicious when stewed and served with natural yoghurt and a dusting of cinnamon.

10. Pine nuts

With an impressive 2.3g fibre per quarter cup, pine nuts certainly deserve their place within the lead pack. Moving beyond the classic pesto, scatter them over salads or toss them through roast vegetables.