Why everyone’s now obsessed with fibre (and cabbages) - What in the World podcast, BBC World Service

Key Concepts

• Fibremaxxing: The practice of intentionally increasing fibre intake, often driven by social media trends.
• Fibre Gap: The significant difference between recommended daily fibre intake (25-30g) and actual average intake (12-15g) in many populations.
• Soluble Fibre: Dissolves in water, slows digestion, stabilizes blood sugar, and lowers LDL cholesterol (found in oats, legumes, fruits).
• Insoluble Fibre: Does not dissolve, adds bulk to stool, and promotes regularity (found in whole grains, nuts, seeds, vegetables).
• Fibre Diversity: Consuming a wide variety of plant foods to feed a broader range of gut microbiomes, linked to better gut and metabolic health.
• Gut Microbiome: The community of microorganisms living in the digestive tract, playing a crucial role in health.

The Rise of Fibremaxxing and the “Year of the Cabbage”

This episode of “What in the World” from the BBC World Service explores the recent surge in popularity of fibre, manifested in the viral trend of “fibremaxxing,” and the unexpected role of cabbage within this movement. The discussion highlights the reasons behind this trend, its health implications, and potential future developments in wellness fads.

The Fibre Gap and the Appeal of Fibremaxxing

The podcast begins by establishing the context of low fibre intake globally, particularly in Western diets. Data indicates that most adults aren’t meeting the recommended daily intake of 25-30g of fibre, with average consumption ranging from 12-15g, creating a significant “fibre gap.” This gap is attributed to modern eating patterns dominated by refined and ultra-processed foods, which naturally contain less fibre.

The “fibremaxxing” trend, fueled by platforms like TikTok and Pinterest, represents an attempt by individuals, particularly Gen Z, to address this deficiency. Basma El Atti, a reporter in Nairobi, notes the trend’s visibility on social media, with numerous posts showcasing recipes like cabbage soup and dumplings. The declaration of 2026 as “The Year of Cabbage” by Vogue magazine exemplifies the trend’s unexpected cultural impact.

Why Cabbage? Affordability and Aesthetic Appeal

The choice of cabbage as the focal point of fibremaxxing is presented as a confluence of factors. Basma El Atti points out that cabbage is an inexpensive and filling vegetable, appealing to budget-conscious young people. Furthermore, cabbage has gained traction in aesthetic trends, with fashion houses incorporating cabbage-inspired designs into bags and plates, mirroring a broader trend of vegetable and fruit-inspired aesthetics on platforms like Pinterest.

This contrasts with previous wellness trends often associated with expensive products and experiences, like the influencer-driven promotion of costly health shots. The current trend reflects a growing awareness that good health doesn’t necessarily require significant financial investment. As Basma notes, there’s a rising sentiment against “unhealthy spending behaviours” and a preference for DIY solutions.

Understanding Fibre: Types, Benefits, and Considerations

The podcast delves into the nutritional aspects of fibre, with a nutritionist explaining the different types and their respective benefits.

• Soluble Fibre: This type dissolves in water, forming a gel that slows digestion, stabilizes blood sugar levels, and helps lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. Sources include oats, legumes (beans, lentils), fruits, and seeds.
• Insoluble Fibre: This type doesn’t dissolve and adds bulk to stool, promoting regular digestion. Sources include whole grains, nuts, seeds, and vegetables.

The nutritionist emphasizes that it’s not just about total fibre intake, but also fibre diversity. Consuming a wide variety of plant foods feeds a wider range of gut microbiomes, contributing to better gut health and overall metabolic health.

However, the podcast cautions against excessive fibre intake. While there isn’t a strict upper limit, rapidly increasing fibre consumption without adequate hydration can lead to bloating, gas, IBS-like symptoms, and potential mineral absorption interference (iron, calcium, zinc). Individual needs and pre-existing digestive conditions should also be considered. Whole food sources of fibre are preferred over isolated fibre supplements or fibre-enriched processed foods, as they provide additional nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Cultural Influences and Future Trends

The podcast highlights the influence of Asian cuisines, particularly Korean cuisine (and the popularity of kimchi), on the cabbage trend. The rise of K-dramas and K-pop culture has sparked interest in Korean food and ingredients. Kimchi, a fermented cabbage dish, has gained popularity for both its flavour and health benefits.

Looking ahead, Basma El Atti predicts that radish will be the next vegetable to experience a surge in popularity, based on emerging trends on Pinterest. She observes a growing interest in radish-inspired fashion and aesthetics.

Data and Statistics

• Recommended Daily Fibre Intake: 25-30g
• Average Fibre Intake (globally): 12-15g (based on a World Health Organization-sponsored study)
• Trend Observation: Increased interest in Korean cuisine and kimchi, particularly linked to the rise of K-pop and K-drama culture.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The “fibremaxxing” trend, driven by a growing awareness of the “fibre gap” and fueled by social media, demonstrates a shift towards accessible and affordable wellness practices. While increasing fibre intake is generally beneficial, the podcast emphasizes the importance of gradual increases, adequate hydration, fibre diversity, and prioritizing whole food sources. The unexpected elevation of cabbage to a trendy ingredient highlights the power of social media and cultural influences in shaping dietary habits, and suggests a potential future focus on vegetables like radish in the evolving landscape of wellness trends.