Why Adding More Fiber Is Beneficial
Everyone knows that fiber in the diet is important, but few know exactly what it is or what it does. Fiber helps keep you fuller longer and helps reduce cravings for unhealthy food. Fiber will keep you regular and can guard against cancer, heart disease and diabetes.
There are two main types of fiber found in foods: insoluble and soluble.
Insoluble Fiber
Insoluble fiber is found in whole grains and on the outside of seeds, fruits, legumes, and other foods. It is also called roughage. Its job is to hold onto water in your digestive system. It uses this water to move waste through your intestine and get rid of all of the toxins and material that your body doesn’t need.
Insoluble fiber acts like a sponge. It absorbs water and then swells up inside of your intestine, producing a “full feeling.”
Soluble Fiber
The other type of fiber is soluble fiber. It is found in fruits, vegetables, seeds, brown rice, barley, oats, and oat bran. It works by passing through the intestine and forming a “gel” like substance.
Fiber and digestive enzymes made by the liver form this gel. Soluble fiber works on a chemical level to prevent and reduce the absorption of certain substances that are harmful to the body.
Getting the Benefits of Fiber
Getting the benefits of fiber is as simple as switching from a diet high in processed foods to a whole foods diet. Your diet should emphasize fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains, nuts and seeds.
The best way to increase your fiber is through foods, and not fiber supplements since most fiber supplements are just purified cellulose. Eating whole foods provides you with fiber and other important nutrients and minerals.
Tags: digestive-enzymes, fiber, junk-food, whole-foods