Nowadays, in the trend of fitness and weight loss, people have started focusing solely on protein. Be it a gym goer or a diet follower, protein is on everyone’s lips. But just cramming in protein is not considered good for health. If there is a lack of fiber in the diet, many serious problems can arise in the body. Nutrition experts believe that as much as protein is important, fiber is equally important for the body, otherwise the risk of serious diseases may increase in the future.
Protein helps strengthen the body’s muscles, support tissue repair and metabolism. This is the reason why people have started consuming excessive protein shakes, supplements and high-protein foods. But when there is more protein and less fiber in the diet, then the digestive system is adversely affected. Fiber works to keep the intestines clean and make digestion smooth. Due to its deficiency, problems like constipation, gas and flatulence become common.
Fiber deficiency is not limited to digestion alone. If the body does not get enough fiber for a long time, cholesterol level can increase, which increases the risk of heart diseases. Fiber also helps in controlling blood sugar, hence it is very important for diabetic patients. When people depend only on protein and ignore fiber, fluctuations in blood sugar can increase, which can further lead to type 2 diabetes.
Not only this, lack of fiber also affects the good bacteria present in the intestines. Poor gut health can weaken the immune system and increase inflammation in the body. Research shows that taking a low-fiber diet for a long time can also increase the risk of serious diseases like colon cancer. This may sound scary, but this is why nutritionists emphasize on a balanced diet.
The role of fiber is also very important in the matter of weight loss. Food rich in fiber keeps the stomach full for a long time, due to which one does not feel hungry again and again. If the diet contains only protein and no fiber, then the body does not feel satiated and there is a risk of overeating. This is the reason why many people get stuck in weight loss despite taking a high-protein diet.
The right diet is considered to be one which has a balance of protein and fiber. Pulses, beans, vegetables, fruits, whole grains and nuts are such foods which provide both protein and fiber. If you eat non-veg, then definitely include vegetables and salad with it. Creating a balanced plate instead of just packing on protein is the safest path for both health and fitness.
