THIS IS A GREAT EXPLANATION ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF FIBER FOR EVERYONE AND WHY WE ARE USING IT IN OUR WEIGHT LOSS CONTEST...IT MAKES SENSE>> READ ON! Fiber: For Your Heart, Weight, and Energy Dietary Fiber: Insoluble vs. Soluble WebMD Feature By Kathleen M. Zelman, MPH, RD, LD Reviewed By Brunilda Nazario, MD Confused about fiber? You’re not alone. Dietary fiber is a misunderstood nutrient. Many people know it is important, but not much more than that. This article fills you in on the two main types of fiber – soluble and insoluble -- where to find them, and the health benefits they provide. Dietary fibers are found naturally in the plants that we eat. They are parts of plant that do not break down in our stomachs, and instead pass through our system undigested. All dietary fibers are either soluble or insoluble. Both types of fiber are equally important for health, digestion, and preventing conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, diverticulitis, and constipation. Soluble vs. Insoluble Fiber Soluble fiber dissolves in water. Insoluble fiber does not. To some degree these differences determine how each fiber functions in the body and benefits your health. Soluble fibers attract water and form a gel, which slows down digestion. Soluble fiber delays the emptying of your stomach and makes you feel full, which helps control weight. Slower stomach emptying may also affect blood sugar levels and have a beneficial effect on insulin sensitivity, which may help control diabetes. Soluble fibers can also help lower LDL (“bad”) blood cholesterol by interfering with the absorption of dietary cholesterol. Sources of soluble fiber: oatmeal, oat cereal, lentils, apples, oranges, pears, oat bran, strawberries, nuts, flaxseeds, beans, dried peas, blueberries, psyllium, cucumbers, celery, and carrots. Insoluble fibers are considered gut-healthy fiber because they have a laxative effect and add bulk to the diet, helping prevent constipation. These fibers do not dissolve in water, so they pass through the gastrointestinal tract relatively intact, and speed up the passage of food and waste through your gut. Insoluble fibers are mainly found in whole grains and vegetables. Sources of insoluble fiber: whole wheat, whole grains, wheat bran, corn bran, seeds, nuts, barley, couscous, brown rice, bulgur, zucchini, celery, broccoli, cabbage, onions, tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, green beans, dark leafy vegetables, raisins, grapes, fruit, and root vegetable skins. How Much Dietary Fiber Do You Need? Most Americans get only about 15 grams of fiber per day in their diet. But the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends about 25 grams for women under 50 and teenage girls. Teenage boys and men under 50 (who consume more calories than women) require upwards of 30-38 grams of dietary fiber daily. OUR FIBERWISE PROVIDES 12 GRAMS OF SOLUBLE AND INSOLUBLE FIBER PER SERVING. THIS IS WITHOUT ALL OF THE HEALTHY FOODS THAT YOU EAT DAILY THAT ALSO HELP TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL FIBER FOR YOU. PRETTY COOL!
Posted on: Sun, 07 Jul 2013 16:32:43 +0000