The importance of fiber in a healthy diet cannot be understated. And the cultural messaging about fiber cannot go unnoticed. It surfaces in a wide range of food brands, such as cereals and oats, among others. There is nothing slick about fiber marketing because it is an essential part of a well-rounded diet.
But there’s something about how companies try to connect with potential customers that seems to skew toward older adults. In some ways, that seems to further the idea that fiber is more vital to people over 50 years old than adolescents and younger adults. Research indicates that Americans of all ages routinely fail to manage 50 percent of their daily fiber needs. Consider the following breakdown of fiber needs.
- Children 1-8 years old need 19-25 grams daily.
- Males 14-50 years old require 38 grams daily.
- Men over 50 require 30 grams daily.
- Girls 9-18 years old need 26 grams daily.
- Women under 50 require 25 grams daily.
- Women over 50 need 21 grams daily.
The data makes the marketing efforts seem more problematic because adolescents and adults under 50 reportedly require more fiber than older folks. That’s why younger people would be well served to include the Herbalife ingredients found in Active Fiber Complex in protein shakes, smoothies, and other popular beverages earlier in life. By understanding how fiber improves health and wellness, younger people can make informed decisions about using high-quality supplements to achieve dietary recommendations.
What Is Fiber?
Sometimes referred to as “roughage,” dietary fiber typically comes from plant parts. Unlike fast-food carbohydrates and fats that many people consume, fiber isn’t absorbed in the stomach. Instead, it flows through the digestive tract and exits the body. If that seems to imply that eating fiber is a waste of time and effort, there are proven benefits to high-fiber diets. First, it’s essential to understand the two basic types of fiber and how they function.
- Soluble Fiber: This type dissolves easily into a gel when it comes in contact with water. It also helps reduce cholesterol and glucose levels, and it’s commonly found in fruits, oats, barley, and veggies, such as peas and carrots.
- Insoluble Fiber: This type increases stool bulk and encourages steady digestive movement. People who seem to unnecessarily struggle with constipation may not be eating enough insoluble fiber. It is abundant in wheat, bran, green beans, potatoes, nuts, and a variety of vegetables.
Given that not enough adolescents or adults under 50 years old are meeting dietary guidelines regarding fiber, understanding the benefits may prompt more people to use a supplement product such as the Herbalife ingredients of Active Fiber Complex, among others.
What Are the Benefits of a High-Fiber Diet?
While it’s true that everyday people could close the fiber gap by simply focusing on maintaining a robust diet that includes fresh fruits, vegetables, wheat, oats, and other natural resources, the reality — particularly for teens and young people — is that the lure of a fast-food drive-thru and high-sugar beverage wins over, say, beets. That said, consider the benefits of a diet that achieves dietary fiber guidelines:
- Improves Bowel Health: Fiber that absorbs water can improve stool conditions and regularity. This facet can also help reduce the risk of colon diseases and colorectal cancer.
- Improves Heart Health: By lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, fiber can help improve heart health and lower blood pressure.
- Diabetes: By lowering glucose levels, insoluble fiber has been linked to reducing Type 2 diabetes risk.
- Healthy Weight: Fiber-rich diets tend to make people feel full and take in fewer calories. This feeling of satisfaction helps people fight obesity.
The bottom line is that achieving dietary guidelines concerning fiber help everyday people live longer and feel healthier. While a diverse diet of organic foods may be the most direct way to improve eating habits, on-the-go people often need supplements to close the fiber gap.
How Can Herbalife Ingredients Improve Fiber Health?
The conundrum seems to be getting people engaged in healthy fiber diets earlier in life before marketing efforts target those over 50 years old. The Herbalife ingredients in Active Fiber Complex deliver 5 grams for every single scoop.
By including this fiber-rich, gluten-free supplement in favorite shakes and beverages, younger people can get a head-start on health, wellness, and longevity benefits. Herbalife’s Active Fiber Complex delivers soluble and insoluble fiber in unflavored or apple-flavored options. It’s a simple and convenient strategy that helps offset some of the tasty missteps of drive-thru meals.