When most people think of fiber, they think of digestive health. It is true that you need the proper amount of fiber in order to keep everything flowing smoothly through your system, but there is much more to it than that. The proper amount of fiber in your diet can also help prevent many different diseases.
Do You Know Your Different Types of Dietary Fiber
And fiber in your diet is known as dietary fiber. There are two main types of dietary fiber: soluble and insoluble. Many people are under the mistaken impression that fiber is not important for your health because your body cannot absorb it. Dietary fiber is actually a very important part of healthy living.
Soluble Fiber vs. Insoluble Fiber
Soluble fiber differs from insoluble in that it partially dissolves in water. This type of fiber is very important to your cardiovascular health. One of the most important jobs of soluble fiber is to bind to fatty substances in your large and small intestines. This makes it easier for your body to get rid of these fatty substances, which are a large part of your LDL or “bad cholesterol.” In addition to lowering your cholesterol, soluble fiber also helps regulate your body’s use of sugars. This lowers your risk for developing diabetes.
Best Ways to Consume Your Daily Fiber Needs
Oatmeal is a good source of soluble fiber, as it oat bran. Seeds and nuts are also excellent sources for soluble fiber. To a lesser degree, fruit contains soluble fiber, specifically strawberries, blueberries, apples, and pears. Legumes contain high levels of soluble fiber as well. The Harvard School of Public Health recommends that you get three servings of fiber rich foods per day.
You do not have to worry too much about whether you are eating soluble or insoluble fiber. Many of the foods that are high in one, mostly fruits and vegetables, are equally high in the other. If you simply focus on getting enough dietary fiber every day, the balance between soluble and insoluble will work out.
If you are trying to increase your fiber intake, eating more fruits and vegetables is an excellent start. Switching to whole grain products is another easy way to get more dietary fiber in your meals. Grains are made up of three parts: the bran, the germ, and the endosperm. Some refined grains contain only the endosperm while others use the germ as well. Only whole grain, however, mills up the bran with everything else. The bran is the part of the grain that contains the most dietary fiber, so you want to make sure that any products you buy are labeled whole grain.
Dietary fiber contains two types: soluble and insoluble. Both are important to maintaining your overall health. Instead of worrying about different types of fiber, just make sure that you are getting enough dietary fiber as a whole and you will notice a definite improvement in your health.