A slew of slaws

Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating recommends eating five servings of fruits and vegetables daily to ensure we get the necessary amounts of vitamins, minerals and fibre, a goal many Canadians fall short of attaining. Increasing your fibre intake can help decrease cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Although there are no specific requirements set out for fibre, nutritionists recommend 25 to 35 grams a day.

Fibre Facts: The total fibre content of food is made up of soluble and insoluble fibre. Soluble fibre dissolves in water and is found in foods such as dried legumes, oats, barley, apples, oranges, strawberries and carrots. It is believed to help lower blood cholesterol levels and to regulate the body's use of sugars. Insoluble fibre (or roughage) comes from foods such as whole-wheat products, fruits and vegetables. Eating insoluble fibre, which passes through the system unchanged, may boost digestive health; many foods contain a combination of both types of fibre.