Why is roughage important in a diet?

Also referred to as dietary fiber, roughage is most commonly known for its ability to help prevent and relieve constipation, according to MayoClinic. Roughage can also provide a wealth of other benefits, including lowering blood pressure and helping a person maintain the proper weight.

Fiber is all the parts of the flower or plant that a person's body cannot digest. Fiber can either be soluble, which means it can dissolve in water, or insoluble, which means it can not dissolve in water. Both oatmeal and beans are an excellent example of roughage. In order to achieve the most benefits from a fiber-rich diet, a person should eat a wide variety of fiber products.