You here it all the time… “you need more fiber in your diet”.
Not getting enough fiber is associated with diseases and conditions such as digestive tract disorders, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and even colon cancer. Some think fiber and fiber products are only important as we grow older and have problems with “irregularity”. However, this is not true, and individuals in all age brackets need fiber for optimal health and physical fitness.
There are two different types of fiber called insoluble and soluble fiber. Each will provide different benefits.
Insoluble fibers do not dissolve in water. A soluble fiber dissolves or swells up when placed in water. Insoluble fiber helps increase the speed by which foods are processed through the intestines. Foods that linger or are trapped in the intestines may lead to accumulation of bulky waste products, constipation, and may even contribute to intestinal cancer. Insoluble fiber also adds bulk and helps prevent hemorrhoids and diverticulitis.
Soluble fibers may help reduce risks of artery and heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels in the blood. Products of digestion of soluble fibers found within the colon enhance the clearance of cholesterol from the blood, and may help to improve the distribution of glucose, which helps to prevent symptoms of hypoglycemia and diabetes.
Dietary fiber is found in plant foods including fruits, beans, vegetables and whole grains. Foods that are rich in insoluble fibers include brown rice, bran, green beans and peas, a wide variety of vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grain products and wheat bran. Foods rich in soluble fibers include but are not limited to broccoli, carrots, corn, fruits, most especially citrus fruits, legumes, oat bran, oats, potatoes, rye, and barley.
Some of the health benefits of fiber include, but are not limited to:
- Providing bulk and aiding intestinal action and movement
- Binding bile acids
- Increasing speed of foods through intestines
- Improving blood sugar tolerance – by delaying glucose absorption
- Lowering blood cholesterol – by slowing absorption of cholesterol
While they’re both good for you. it’s important to understand the difference between soluble and insoluble fiber. Fiber provides enormous benefits to the human body that goes way beyond “irregularity”. To obtain the greatest benefit from fiber, you should eat a variety of fiber rich foods from both a soluble and insoluble types.