Soluble Fiber

Soluble Fiber <Fiber Rich Foods>

it is very difficult to define what it means to have good nutrition. The word good nutrition, in some sense, has a fairly loose definition in terms of certain specific nutrients, and others are more complex, as they impact human health more than the most common nutrients we have access to today. In addition, many other conditions such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and poor cognitive abilities also affect nutrient metabolism in a negative way. So it’s important not only to get enough nutrients but to do so with a minimum amount of waste. So some people argue that a diet lacking fiber will lead to digestive problems, while others find it hard to believe that something so simple and essential can be made unhealthy because of its lack. One thing I am certain of about food and nutrition is that soluble fibers have little influence on the body or anything else you may care about.

Soluble Fiber <Fiber Rich Foods>

So why are some types of fiber made illegal? Why do some people find this kind of food to be bad for you? Well here’s one answer: some types of fiber are more important than others. Not all carbohydrates can be broken down into soluble fibers. For example, fruits contain about 25-30 percent of their mass in water: the remainder is carbohydrate. Some types of fiber will be digested by the body when it needs them, while others need digestion before being absorbed, but this still doesn’t mean it has been digested. There are several types of carbohydrates, and these include long chains of glucose, maltose, lactose, cellulose, and hemicellulose. What makes this even more complicated is that each type has a different size; therefore, there is a big difference between the fiber content of two apples: one large, one small. Therefore, if someone was to eat an apple (for instance), they would have to consume at least two apples to have enough fiber to support their digestive systems.

Soluble Fiber <Fiber Rich Foods>

In addition to just good nutrition, it should be mentioned that soluble fibers will help lower cholesterol levels, insulin response, and weight. In 2012, Harvard Medical School researchers published a review report called “The Long-Term Effects of Dietary Fibers on Human Health” (Hamel, et al) which included studies in both men and women. The study showed that individuals who consumed low amounts of dietary fiber had a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and, if they didn’t consume enough fiber, may be prone to develop cancer. Another interesting finding was that those who ate less fiber had blood sugar levels rise, which meant they were likely to end up having trouble controlling their weight. The research group concluded that dietary fiber could be especially harmful as it can cause bloating; it may cause cramps, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, gas from stool; it can increase tooth decay and can lead to diarrhea. This all seems pretty alarming, but I think we can agree with the authors that there are risks. But I think one thing to note is that they don’t go from zero to 100 unless your insulin level goes from high to high. If you do end up getting diabetes, which leads us to my next point, fiber cannot be digested, and therefore, it has no effect on the body and you won’t want to eat too much. However, if you have diabetes, you do need fiber because you lose a lot of fluids in your stool. As well, fiber cannot be digested, and therefore, you will end up feeling full faster and better but you might find yourself wanting to snack, which again, won’t be helpful at all.

Soluble Fiber <Fiber Rich Foods>

Also not to be overlooked is that soluble fibers have been known to prevent heart attacks and strokes; however, people who suffer from heart disease usually have a lot more fiber in their intestines, making it harder to digest fiber. Plus soluble fibers have been linked to weight loss because fiber keeps you satiated; therefore making you feel fuller longer after you’ve eaten. Of course, the bottom line is that it’s never going to take some kind of fiber out of your diet—even if some of it is digested—it will always be in your gut. Whether you like it or not, soluble fibers—whether you choose to believe it or not—are not going anywhere and you’re going to love these benefits anyway.

<Fiber Rich Foods>