FIBER is known as one of the Super Foods.
For the month of January our discussions will be surrounded by the,
“All To know About Fiber”.
Optimal Health
FIBER is needed for optimal health and 40 grams is suggested. FIBER allows food to go through the digestive track at a quicker rate which allows for a couple of things to occur:
1) Weight loss benefit because your body does not have time to absorb all the calories. This is also important if you are a diabetic because it will smooth out your insulin spikes.
2) The flora in your digestive track will stay healthy. This will help if you have IBS or any digestive/stomach ache issues.
and
3) Your food will NOT sit in your body and allow for rotting to occur.
What is Fiber?
Fiber is the structural part of the plant that we cannot digest. We need fiber for:
– Promote healthy gut flora (health bacteria in the large intestine)
– Facilitate elimination
– Reduce risk of colon cancer
– Help maintain healthy body weight
– Control blood sugar
Diets low in Fiber have a risk of:
– Constipation
– Hemorrhoids
– Diverticulosis
– Obesity
– Diabetes
Why do you need to know what is soluble and insoluble fiber?
It is important to know what type of fiber you are eating because they each serve a purpose: soluble vs insoluble.
Soluble adds bulk to your stool. Is good for IBS. It slows the movement of food out of your stomach so you stay fuller longer. It absorbs cholesterol as it is going through the digestive track before your body can absorb it.
Insoluble speeds elimination time through the system. Thus your body won’t absorb all the calories that you have consumed.
Soluble Fiber Foods: Fruits and Oats- oats, peas, beans, apples, citrus fruits, carrots, and barley
Insoluble Fiber Foods: Vegetables and Grains – Whole-wheat flour, wheat bran, nuts and many vegetables
So keep track of how many grams of fiber you are having in a day and your body will have more energy in return.
The amount of each type of fiber varies in different plant foods. To receive the greatest health benefit, eat a wide variety of high-fiber foods.
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