Fiber Day (Faibā no Hi) — "fa (5)," "i (1)," and "bā (8)" spell out "fiber"

What Is Fiber Day?

May 18th is "Fiber Day" in Japan, established in 2005 by Fiber Academia, an academic group that provides information about dietary fiber. The date comes from a wordplay on the numbers 5, 1, and 8 — "fa (5, from 'five')," "i (1)," and "bā (8)" together sound like "faibā" (fiber). The day aims to remind people of the importance of getting enough dietary fiber.

The Background of Fiber Day

Dietary fiber is the part of food that human digestive enzymes cannot break down. It was once regarded as having no nutritional value, but research has shown that it supports various functions in the body. In Japan, fiber intake is said to fall short of the national target in many age groups.

Types and Characteristics of Dietary Fiber

• Soluble fiber: Dissolves in water. It is thought to slow the absorption of sugar and reduce cholesterol absorption. Found in seaweed, fruit, barley, and oats.
• Insoluble fiber: Does not dissolve in water. It is thought to add bulk to stool and stimulate intestinal movement. Found in vegetables, legumes, mushrooms, and the outer layers of grains.

Fun Facts About Dietary Fiber

• Dietary fiber is sometimes called "the sixth nutrient," after the five major nutrients: carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
• Some types of fiber feed gut bacteria, and their relationship with the gut environment is being studied.
• Brown rice and whole-grain products contain more fiber than white rice or refined wheat flour.
• The main component of agar (kanten) and the pectin in fruit are both types of dietary fiber.

How to Spend Fiber Day

• Add one more dish of vegetables, fruit, or mushrooms to your meals.
• Try cooking white rice mixed with barley or other grains.
• Cook a dish featuring seaweed or legumes.
• Check the nutrition labels on packaged foods to see how much fiber they contain.

May 18th: A Day to Think About Dietary Fiber

Fiber Day is a chance to pay attention to a nutrient many people don't get enough of. You don't need to do anything special — simply adding a dish of vegetables, seaweed, or beans to your usual meals makes a difference. Let May 18th be a small nudge to review what's on your plate.