The Truth About Dietary Fiber
Fiber is found only in plant foods, fiber is the nondigestable part of carbohydrates. Although it has a whole host of benefits, fiber has no calories. Unfortunately , most people don't get enough of it(experts recommend twenty-five grams per day).So, you know fiber is good for you and you probably need to get more, but information out there can often be confusing-what are the two kinds of fiber, for example what do they
do and where do they come from?
SOLUBLE FIBER
Soluble fiber slows down the absorption of food in the stomach, creating a feeling of fullness. It is also associated with reducing blood cholesterol and maintaining stable blood-sugar levels. The best sources of soluble fiber are lentils, oats, dried beans, peas, fresh fruits and vegetables. Be sure to introduce fiber rich foods to your diet gradually over a period of several weeks to minimize gastrointestinal side effects, such as bloating.
INSOLUBLE FIBER
Insoluble fiber speeds up the movement of food through the digestive track and is associated with reducing the risk of some forms of cancer. The best sources of insoluble fiber are whole-grain breads, dried beans, whole grain pasta and brown rice.
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