The Real MVP of Nutrition? Fibre. Here’s Why.

When Was the Last Time You Thought About Fibre?

Like, really thought about it? Probably somewhere between never and not in this lifetime. But here’s the thing: dietary fibre does way more than just keep your digestion on track. It supports your gut, keeps your appetite in check, balances blood sugar, and plays a huge role in your long-term health.

It may not come with flashy labels or influencer endorsements, but fibre shows up for your body every single day.

Think of it as the quiet support system that keeps everything running smoothly — behind the scenes, but essential.

What Is Dietary Fibre?

Fibre is the part of plant-based foods your body can’t digest or absorb. Unlike proteins, carbs, or fats that break down and get absorbed, fibre moves through your digestive system mostly intact. And that’s where the magic lies — it helps bulk up your stool, keeps things moving, and fuels your gut bacteria.

There are two main types of fibre:

1. Soluble Fibre

   This dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance. It helps lower cholesterol and slows down sugar absorption, keeping your blood sugar levels stable.

   Found in: oats, barley, beans, lentils, apples, citrus fruits.

   Nickname: the smooth operator.

2. Insoluble Fibre

   This one doesn’t dissolve — it adds bulk to your stool and keeps your digestive system moving.

   Found in: whole grains, wheat bran, nuts, beans, cauliflower, potatoes.

   Nickname: the roughage boss.

Together, they’re the dream team your gut didn’t know it needed.

Why Does Your Body Need Fibre?

Your body is like a well-oiled machine — and fibre is the maintenance crew. Without it, things start falling out of rhythm: your digestion slows, bloating sets in, your gut bacteria get grumpy, and your immune system slacks off.

Here’s what fibre really does for you:

• Improves digestion: Promotes regular bowel movements and prevents constipation.
• Supports gut health: Feeds the good bacteria in your digestive tract.
• Controls blood sugar: Slows the absorption of glucose, preventing sudden spikes.
• Lowers cholesterol: Especially LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, through the action of soluble fibre.
• Keeps you full: Helps with appetite control and reduces mindless snacking.
• Reduces disease risk: Linked to lower chances of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even certain cancers.

TL;DR: Fibre = better digestion, better mood, better you.

Where’s the Fibre Hiding? (Hint: Pretty Much Everywhere)

Not everyone’s a salad person and that’s totally fine. Fibre isn’t exclusive — it’s packed into all kinds of foods. So whether you’re a snack lover or a dal-chawal loyalist, fibre has your back.

• Whole Grains: Brown rice, oats, barley, quinoa, whole wheat bread — the grain gang that gets things going.
• Fruits: Apples, pears, berries, bananas, oranges, avocados — your fruity favourites, fibred up.
• Veggies: Broccoli, carrots, green peas, spinach, sweet potatoes — the crunchy, colourful kind.
• Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans — small but mighty.
• Nuts & Seeds: Almonds, chia, flax, sunflower — a handful a day keeps digestion drama away.

Wait… What’s Prebiotic Fibre?

You might be thinking, “Weren’t there just two types of fibre?”

Here’s ANOTHR twist.

Prebiotic fibre is technically a type of soluble fibre, but with a gut-health superpower: it feeds the good bacteria in your gut. Think of it as their favourite meal.

Found in garlic, onions, leeks, bananas, and chicory root — prebiotics like inulin, FOS, and GOS pass undigested into the colon, where they become fuel for beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli. This keeps your gut flora balanced and your immunity strong.

Not all soluble fibres are prebiotic, but most prebiotics are soluble.

And insoluble fibre? Still a hero for digestion, but not part of the bacterial buffet.

Want to glow from the inside out? Feed your gut crew.

How to Add More Fibre (Without Even Trying)

The numbers?

• Men: ~34g/day
• Women: ~28g/day
• Kids: 14–26g/day (based on age)

The reality? Most Indians are falling far behind.

But boosting your fibre doesn’t need a full-blown diet overhaul. Just make a few smart swaps:

1. Start with breakfast: Choose oats, multigrain toast, or wheat biscuits over sugary cereal.
2. Switch your carbs: Brown rice > white. Multigrain rotis > maida.
3. Eat your veggies: Bonus points for colourful ones (and don’t peel everything!).
4. Pick fruits over juice: Juice is fibre’s evil twin.
5. Cook with legumes: Add lentils or beans to soups, dals, salads — they belong.
6. Snack smarter: Makhana, popcorn, roasted chana, nuts, and seeds are all fibre-packed heroes.

And when you’re on-the-go or just too busy to fibre-load?

One Can = 7g of Fibre

That’s where ANOTHR steps in.

Every can of ANOTHR gives you 7 grams of prebiotic fibre. It’s fizzy, functional, and flavour-packed — without added sugar, caffeine, or fake stuff. Made with real plant-based ingredients, it’s your daily gut support, bottled.

Fibre that fits into your life — not the other way around.

The Bottom Line

Fibre might not get the hype it deserves, but it’s doing the hard work behind the scenes — keeping your digestion smooth, your energy stable, and your gut happy.

So whether you oat it, toast it, or chana your way through the day… don’t forget to fibre-up.

And when you need a quick fix?

Sip ANOTHR — the drink that feeds your gut (and your glow).

🔗 Sources

1. High-Fiber Foods – Mayo Clinic
2. Daily Recommendation for Fiber – Medical News Today
3. Should I Be Eating More Fiber? – Harvard Health