Brain bran: The protective effect that fibre has on cognition

BBC • January 25, 2026 • health

Key Points:

Dietary fibre, found in wholegrains, fruits, pulses, nuts, and seeds, offers significant health benefits including improved lifespan, reduced risk of chronic diseases, and protection against cognitive decline by supporting gut microbiome health.
Most populations, including over 90% of adults in the US and UK, consume less than the recommended daily fibre intake of around 25-30 grams, which is linked to higher risks of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, colon cancer, and cognitive impairment.
Fibre promotes the production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids like butyrate in the gut, which help maintain gut lining integrity, reduce inflammation, and positively influence brain health and cognition through the gut-brain axis.
Recent studies, including