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Fibre has few calories

After water, which has zero calories, fibre contributes the most to food volume for the fewest number of calories. Fibre supplies 1.5 to 2.5 calories per gram, far fewer than fat, at 9 calories, or protein and carbohydrates, at 4 calories per gram. Also, fibre holds water in the digestive tract, which contributes to a more lasting sense of fullness.Fibre is found only in plant foods: fruits, vegetables and grains, especially whole grains. Along with water, it acts as a digestive tract stimulant; cutting out fibre-rich foods can lead to chronic constipation.

Researcher Rolls' work helps to explain why so many people who reduced the fat in their diets failed to lose weight and perhaps even gained. People eat less when there are fewer calories in a given volume of food. If you cut back on fat and replace it with energy-dense (that is, dry) carbohydrates, you may not be reducing your caloric intake, but instead increasing it. Rolls' findings are good news for pasta lovers, who may be avoiding this food to maintain a low-carbohydrate diet.

(COURTESY: NEW YORK TIMES)

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