It’s fair to say that throughout the lockdown, various surveys have been published outlining an increasing number of people in the UK (and beyond) who are eager to eat healthily to try to boost their immunity, and bowel health too.
While most of us typically consume enough protein to meet our recommended intake, we seem to struggle with our fibre.
The NHS website refers to Government guidelines published in 2015, which recommend 30 grammes of fibre per day as part of a healthy, balanced diet. Most adults only average 18 grammes per day – far less than they need.
But look further, and there’s also a page specifically for pulses. Even though it doesn’t mention the mighty Lupin (we intend to address this injustice!) – these proteins are commended as a “low-fat source of protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals, and count towards your recommended 5 daily portions of fruit and vegetables.”
Step forward TLC Lupin Protein Flakes! A standard 40-gramme portion gives you almost 15 grammes of dietary fibre – half of your daily requirement, and easily enough to top up your daily intake from other food. Our 40 grammes portion even includes 4.9 grammes of prebiotic fibre! More about that below.
What is exactly dietary fibre?
Dietary fibres are indigestible carbohydrates that are passed through to the large intestine providing our healthy gut flora with the food they need to flourish. But not all fibres are created equal and they perform different roles in the gut.
- Soluble fibres slow down digestion and are good for lowering cholesterol
- Insoluble fibres are great for bowel regularity
- Prebiotic fibres are very beneficial for stimulating the growth of friendly bacteria in the intestines.
Our TLC Lupin Protein Flakes include all three types of fibre.
So what are the health benefits of a diet HIGH in fibre?
A high-fibre diet helps to maintain bowel health and normalises bowel movements, decreasing the chance of constipation. It can also help you towards staying a healthy weight as you are likely to eat less and feel fuller for longer. Increasing your fibre intake is also associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and some cancers.
How can I maintain a healthy balance of good bacteria in my gut?
One way of increasing the number of good bacteria in your gut is by eating foods that are high in dietary fibre, especially prebiotic fibres. TLC Lupin Protein Flakes have a whopping 37 grammes of fibre per 100 grammes, with nearly 1/3 of this fibre being prebiotic.
Why prebiotic fibre matters
A prebiotic is a type of dietary fibre. To be classified as a prebiotic, the fibre must pass through the digestive system undigested and stimulate the growth and/or activity of certain ‘friendly’ bacteria in the large intestine. Sweet Australian Lupin contains oligosaccharides which promote the growth of friendly bifidobacteria in the intestines.
Some health benefits attributed to prebiotic fibre intake include stimulation of gut flora, improved mineral absorption, stabilisation of blood glucose and insulin levels, protection against intestinal infections and alterations in the progress of some inflammatory conditions.
The Lupinist's Tips
We recommend you introduce TLC Lupin Protein Flakes gradually over 14 days if you are not used to consuming similar, high fibre food in your diet. This will give your gut – not to mention gut bacteria - time to adapt to the greater quantity of fibre arriving in your bowel!
We’d love to hear from you and find out about your own plant-based feel-good factor tips for your gut. Or if you’re already using lupin flakes, how does your gut like them, or what do you add your daily fibre-boosting portion?
We want lots more people to have a great gut feeling!
