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Supplements like Benefiber provide 3 grams of soluble fiber per serving and may help you meet your daily fiber requirements
Fiber is essential for your health, especially for your digestive system. However, despite the fact that the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends consuming 25-35 grams of dietary fiber every day, most Americans consume an average of 15 grams a day.
Supplements like Benefiber provide 3 grams of soluble fiber per serving, which dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance in your intestines. While it’s best to get your dietary fiber through food, fiber supplements may help those who need help reaching the recommended daily amount.
Benefiber is tasteless, sugar-free, and contains only natural fiber. Since it doesn’t thicken, it can be added to various drinks such as juices and coffee, but should not be added to carbonated beverages.
6 potential benefits of Benefiber
Benefiber contains soluble dietary fiber that plays various important functions in the body:
- Promotes gut health: Benefiber adds bulk to the stools by absorbing water and promoting the easy passage of stools through the gut, thereby preventing constipation. It also acts as a prebiotic, which means it helps promote the growth of beneficial or “good bacteria” in the gut. These good bacteria play an important role in promoting digestion and immunity.
- Helps lower blood cholesterol: Benefiber helps lower blood cholesterol by binding to cholesterol in the gut and preventing its absorption into the bloodstream. The fiber-bound cholesterol is then excreted through stools.
- Promotes cardiovascular health: By regulating blood cholesterol levels, Benefiber helps boost the health of the heart and blood vessels. Research suggests that a diet rich in fiber helps lower the risk of heart diseases including heart attacks and stroke.
- Helps regulate blood sugar levels: Benefiber dissolves in the gut to form a gel-like mass, which helps slow down the absorption of glucose and thus prevent blood sugar spikes.
- Helps with weight management: Benefiber helps improve satiety, thereby reducing cravings and urge to overeat. Consuming a fiber-rich diet along with regular physical activity may aid in weight loss.
- May prevent certain cancers: By promoting gut health and weight loss, Benefiber may also help lower the risk of certain cancers, such as colon, breast, and prostate cancer. There is, however, not enough scientific data to establish whether fiber protects against cancer or not.
When should you take Benefiber?
Benefiber may be taken if you suffer from constipation, for example if you experience fewer than 3 bowel movements a week, hard stools, or straining or pain during stools.
However, you should consult your doctor before taking Benefiber, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking any medications.
Although Benefiber may be a convenient way to meet daily fiber needs, it’s best to try to obtain your fiber through fiber-rich foods, such as leafy vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
Does Benefiber have any side effects?
Benefiber generally does not cause any serious side effects. Taking too many, however, may cause loose stools, flatulence, or abdominal cramps. Some people may be allergic to Benefiber and develop skin rash or hives on consumption.
You should consult a doctor before taking Benefiber if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any underlying health conditions. Although Benefiber powder is considered gluten-free because it contains less than 20 ppm of gluten, people with gluten intolerance must not consume any Benefiber products unless otherwise directed by their doctor.