Why do you need fibre?

But now new research has revealed that it could also deliver a surprising bonus: protecting against allergic asthma.

Research published in the Journal of Nature Medicine found high levels of dietary fibre balances your gut bacteria. This has been shown to influence the immune response in the lungs, protecting them from common allergens such as dust mites or pollen.

Experts speculate that this could be the explanation for a spike in allergies and asthma in Western countries, where diets typically have a lower fibre intake. In fact, according to Pricelines’ What’s Your Health Age survey, only 17 per cent of Australians are getting the recommended daily intake of fibre-rich fruit and vegies.

Improve your health (and flatten your belly) by filling up on high-fibre superheroes such as beans, oat bran, brown rice, barley, carrots, apples, pears, plus most other fruit and veg. Easy!

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