Fiber Series - Introduction

In this series, we will explain different types of fiber: dietary fiber, soluble fiber, insoluble fiber, and inulin and their related health benefits / risks.   

But first, a little background about what fiber is and its overall health benefits...

Fiber is a complex carbohydrate.  Fiber is the part of a plant that cannot be digested or absorbed in your bloodstream.

Here are some examples of plants that provide a good source of fiber / complex carbohydrates:

• Fresh Fruit
• Fresh Vegetables
• Whole Grain Breads
• Legumes

(Simple carbohydrates, such as common table sugar, have no fiber.)

Why is Fiber good for you?  Here are just a few reasons -

• When you eat foods high in fiber, such as beans and whole grains, the sugar in those foods is absorbed slower, which keeps your blood glucose levels from rising too fast. This is good for you because spikes in glucose fall rapidly, which can make you feel hungry soon after eating and lead to overeating.
• When you eat whole grains rich in insoluble fiber, it moves faster through your intestines, which can help signal that you are full.
• The scrub-brush effect of fiber helps clean out bacteria and other buildup in your intestines, and may reduce your risk for colon cancer.
• A high-fiber diet helps you have soft, regular bowel movements, reducing constipation.

There are many ad campaigns out there that advertise products as a "good source of fiber."  We hope this series will help you understand the ingredients in these products and whether they really are good for you.  Of course, it is always best to eat non-processed, food naturally high in fiber before reaching for the highly processed fiber bar.