Why is roughage important for maintaining a healthy weight?

Roughage, also known as dietary fiber, plays a significant role in maintaining a healthy weight because it contributes to a feeling of fullness or satiety. When you consume foods high in roughage, they tend to take longer to digest, which helps you feel satisfied for a longer period of time. This can lead to a decrease in overall calorie intake, as you are less likely to snack or overeat.

The ability of roughage to absorb water and expand in the stomach also aids in creating a sense of fullness without adding excessive calories. This is particularly important for weight management, as it enables individuals to enjoy larger portion sizes of low-calorie foods, such as fruits and vegetables, instead of high-calorie options.

In contrast, while roughage can provide some vitamins and minerals, improve muscle strength and endurance, and contain small amounts of protein, these aspects do not directly relate to its primary role in weight management as effectively as its ability to promote a feeling of fullness.