Fibre

• Dietary fibre is found in cereal foods, beans, lentils, fruit and vegetables.  It is not broken down by the body's digestive system, although some micro-organisms in the large intestine can digest fibre.
• Fibre can aid the passage of food though the large intestine, lower blood cholesterol and help to control glucose levels.  Diets high in fibre have also been linked to a reduced risk of colon cancer.
• Most people do not currently eat enough fibre in the diet, with the average intake being 12g, compared to a recommended intake of 18g per day.
• The major sources of dietary fibre in the UK are whole grain, high fibre breakfast cereals and bread, as these are rich in fibre and eaten frequently.  Other good sources include fresh or dried fruit and vegetables.