A Diet Is Not Balanced Without Fiber.

A balanced diet is defined as one that contains the right amounts of all the food groups. The six major

components or food groups of a balanced diet are carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and water. All are recommended for regular consumption for good health.

Fiber is an important component of a healthy diet whose importance is not mentioned or emphasized. This is because they are classified as carbohydrates and not as nutrients on their own.

Dietary fiber is the indigestible portion of food derived from plants. Fiber is classified as soluble or

insoluble and both are present in food in different proportions.

Fiber is used in good weight maintenance because diets that are high in fiber have a tendency to be low in calories. Read more about fiber-rich diets and their health benefits here.

Some diets encourage people to follow low-carbohydrate diet plans. This means that individuals on these diet plans may not be getting enough fiber unless they take fiber supplements or eat lots of vegetables.

When you are planning a meal, it is important to include foods that have fiber in them. A lot of plant-based foods have fiber in their whole form. Whole cereal grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, vegetables, fruits, root tubers and mucilaginous food sources contain fiber.

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