Posts Tagged ‘ Fiber ’

Super Colon Cleanse, Dietary Supplement, Good Source of Fiber, 240 capsules Reviews

February 25, 2011
By

Super Colon Cleanse, Dietary Supplement, Good Source of Fiber, 240 capsules

  • 240 Capsules
  • Serving Size: 3-4
New easy to swallow capsules. Super Colon Cleanser capsules for individuals who lack sufficient fiber in their diet, for relief from constipation and to maintain regularity.

List Price: $ 19.99 Price: $ 9.23

Low Fiber Foods

January 2, 2011
By

As fiber is that part of fruits, vegetables and grains which cannot be digested by our body, there has to be a substitute for them. It is only in some circumstances that we need to have low fiber foods and take care that the foods which we consume are not pressurizing our intestines. Thus the only choice is to know which foods contain low fiber and how to use them in our diet. Before you start with the low fiber diet it is always advised to consult a nutritionist or your family doctor to know which are the foods necessary for your body. If you have any digestive concerns and problems, only then will your doctor suggest a low fiber diet to you, so get yourself checked first and then turn to these foods as the last resort. Listed below are some low fiber foods which should be consumed by people who have serious digestive system issues. More on dietary fiber foods.

Low Fiber Foods List

Low fiber foods help you to digest your food properly and don’t bring about too much exertion on the digestive system. When certain foods start giving you digestion problems, that means your system is not able to reabsorb the nutrients from those foods and most of it is left undigested and leads to the excretory system. The excretory system too eventually loses the battle against the fiber and then releases it out of the body. This can prove to be very dangerous for your body if you are weak and cannot sustain internal injuries. Thus try and have the following low fiber foods till the next doctor’s check up. More on too much fiber in diet.

Vegetables
Fruits
Meat
Bakery
Desserts
Others
Lettuce
Fresh bananas
Red meat
White bread, Cornbread
Puddings
Spices
Vegetable juices
Canned fruits
Chicken
Biscuits
Cakes
Salt
Cooked or canned peeled vegetables
Fruit juices
Fish, Eggs
Waffles, Pancakes
Ice Creams, Pastries
Vinegar, Mustard
Potatoes; mashed, noodles, chips, macaroni
~
Cheese and Dairy
Bagels, English muffins
Pies, Custards, Gelatin
Cornstarch, Honey, Yogurt, Ketchup

With those low fiber foods you can definitely be sure there won’t be any strains on your digestive system and you can have a healthy diet when needed. These foods are also advised as low fiber foods for colonscopy, as they are easy to digest and do not harm your colon in the intestines. There are some more vegetables and fruits that should not be consumed as they are not low fiber but have many essential nutrients for our body’s development and growth. Find such foods in the following list. More on high fiber diet.

Beverages
Bakery
Deserts
Fruits
Vegetables
Others
Drinks that are made from not mentioned fruits and vegetables
Oatmeal, Coarse and whole grain breads, whole wheat, Triscuits
Fig bars, dried nut bars, oatmeal cookies, any deserts with coconut and nuts, peanut butter candy
Fruits with skins and seeds like berries, grapes, pineapples, apples and dried fruits
Corn, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, onions, cauliflower, tomatoes, baked beans
Popcorn, nuts, peanut butter, olives, coconut, corn chips, pickles

These mentioned foods are not healthy low fiber foods as they can produce gas and other abnormalities in the digestive system giving you a hard time to function. Victims of any disorder in the abdominal region are always suggested to avoid these foods as they can take a dangerous turn for their diagnosis. Since prevention is better than cure, if you know you have colon cancer or any other intestinal disorder, stay away from these foods. Low fiber foods are the better choices in your diet for citizens of the older age group, as they are sensitive to many types of foods and preparations.

With these lists for low fiber foods to consume and to avoid, you may have gained some knowledge about how you need to be careful with your eating habits. Thus make sure you eat the right and healthy food products to avoid further health issues.

List of High Fiber Foods

January 2, 2011
By

You can’t use a list of high fiber foods until you don’t know anything about fibers. Firstly, they are an essential component of a healthy diet.

You can find alimentary fibers especially in fruit, vegetables, integral cereals, and they are famous for their ability to prevent and treat constipation. But fibers have other advantages, too; they reduce the risk of diabetes and of heart diseases.

What are alimentary fibers?
Alimentary fibers, also called ballast substances, include all the components of aliments, of vegetal origin, which the stomach can’t digest or absorb. Fibers are often classified in two categories: those which can’t be solved in water (insoluble fibers) and those which can be dissolved (soluble fibers).

Insoluble fibers
These fibers intensify the transit of the intestinal content by the digestive system and increase the volume of fecal bolus. Thus, they are indicated to those who suffer from constipation or irregular defecation. Integral flour, bran, nuts and some vegetables are important sources of insoluble fibers.

Soluble fibers
This type of fibers can be dissolved in water, forming a gelatinous substance. They contribute to the decreasing of cholesterol level and glucose in blood. Soluble fibers can be found in high quantities in porridge, peas, beans, apples, citric fruit, carrots, barley.
Vegetal products contain different quantities of fibers of both types. In order to have positive effects for your health, consume a great variety of foods rich in fibers.

Benefits of alimentary fibers
Unlike the other components of foods (fats, proteins or sugars) which the organism degrades and assimilates, the fibers are not digested by our digestive system. Therefore they remain practically unchanged when they pass through the stomach, the thin intestine in order to get to the thick intestine.

Alimentary fibers grow the weight and volume of fecal bolus and soften it, reducing the risk of constipation. If your fecal waste is watery and soft, the fibers can help you, as they absorb water and give consistence to the fecal bolus.

A diet rich in fibers can reduce the risk of some diseases like hemorrhoids, the syndrome of irritable colon and other colon affections. Fibers, especially soluble ones can also reduce the level of cholesterol in your blood and reduce the sugars absorption, thus improving sugar level in the case of people suffering from diabetes.

A diet rich in fibers can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes occurrence and contributes to preventing loss of weight. Aliments rich in fibers need to be chewed longer, thus letting the body get the satiety sensation and avoiding excessive consumption. A diet rich in fibers also gives us the sensation that the meal is more consistent and it lasts longer. Moreover, it tends to contain fewer calories at the same quantity of food.

Furthermore, you will find out information about fiber consumption and about the amount of fibers which is necessary daily.

For adults the following daily doses are recommended:

1. Under 50 years – over 50 years
2. Men 38 grams – 30 grams
3. Women 25 grams – 21 grams

If the daily amount of fibers is not enough, it should be increased.

You may choose products from integral cereals, fresh or cooked fruit and vegetables, beans and dry peas.

Aliments prepared industrially, for example fruit juice, white bread, pasta, or refined cereals, don’t contain the same amount of fibers. The refining process removes the exterior layer of the cereals, decreasing their fiber content. The same result is obtained when the peel of fruit and vegetables is removed.
To continue, you will know the fiber content of some aliments and which sources are the best.

The following list presents the fiber content of some aliments:

Products
Fiber content expressed in grams, which actually may vary from a brand to another, but you may at least have a general idea about fiber content
1. Cooked peas, 1 cup – 16.3 g
2. Red beans, boiled, 1 cup – 13.1 g
3. Fresh raspberry, 1 cup – 8.0 g
4. Spaghetti from integral flour – 6.3 g
5. Muffin made of barley bran, medium size – 5.2 g
6. Broccoli, boiled, 1 cup – 5.1 g
7. Porridge flakes, normal or instant, cooked, 1 cup – 4.0 g
8. Green beans, cooked, 1 cup – 4.0 g
9. Brown rice, cooked, 1 cup – 3.5 g
10. Apple, medium size, with peel – 3.3 g
11. Popcorn, 2 cups – 2.4 g
12. Integral bread, 1 slice – 1.9 g
13. Mushrooms, 100 g – 2.5 g

Complete foods are preferred in general instead of fiber supplements. The latter ones do not contain vitamins, minerals and other nutritive substances, unlike aliments rich in fibers.

However, there are some persons who need a supplement of fibers if diet changes are not enough or if they suffer from any medical affection, like the syndrome of irritable colon. Talk to a doctor if you want to take fiber supplements.

Fiber for Rookies

January 2, 2011
By
Fiber for RookiesEnlarge Image

It’s not only the average American who isn’t getting enough fiber in their diets, but studies have shown that even bodybuilders aren’t getting enough. Why is this? We are supposed to be the most educated people when it comes to getting good nutrition and it comes as a major surprise that we are not getting enough. This article is going to explain the basics of dietary fiber. You will learn what fiber is, its benefits, best fibrous foods, best supplements to use, and the side effects of consuming to much of it.

According to Wikipedia encyclopedia, dietary fibers are defined as the indigestive portion of plant foods that move food through the digestive system and absorb water. There are two types of fiber: Soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber slows down digestion of the foods you eat in the stomach and small intestine. This stabilizes blood glucose levels by slowing down the conversion of other carbohydrates into glucose. Insoluble fiber actually increases the rate of digestion and helps prevent digestive disorders such as constipation. It also reduces the absorption of salt, reduces the risk of high blood pressure, and eliminates toxins from the body.

The best sources of fiber are whole grain cereals, beans, oats, fruits, and vegetables. Many of the fibrous food you eat may have been a part of a refining process where the amount of fiber stated on the label is actually decreased, so keep that in mind if you’re trying to watch amount of fiber you eat. If you’re having trouble getting enough fiber in your diet or simply cannot stand the taste of fibrous foods, I highly encourage you to increase your fiber intake by use of supplements. Products such as Metamucil, Citrucel, Hydrocil, and Konsyl are all good supplements to add to your arsenal.

The average fiber intake should range from 20-35 grams daily. You need to determine how much you need by size, age, sex, and current health problems. According to recent USDA surveys, the average person only consumes 12-17 grams of dietary fiber daily, which is way too low. You still need to find a healthy balance and not go overboard with the fiber, either, because too much of it can cause diarrhea and bloating.

There are more obese people than ever before and the rate will keep growing higher and higher until people actually start eating more fiber. I am not saying that consuming more fiber is the miracle cure to obesity, but it will help. Fiber makes you feel less hungry, gives you more energy, and keeps your body functioning properly. There is no reason why one wouldn’t want to increase their fiber intake. Until next time!

*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dietary_fiber
*http://www.jhbmc.jhu.edu/cardiology/rehab/fiber.html
*http://www.carbs-information.com/dietary-fiber-benefits.htm
*http://www.annecollins.com/guide-to-dietary-fiber.htm
*http://www.wehealnewyork.org/healthinfo/dietaryfiber/
*http://www.hormel.com/templates/knowledge/knowledge.asp?catitemid=108&id=763

MY SITE: www.geocities.com/bashore69/bodybuildingarticles.html

Dietary Therapy: High Fiber Diets

December 31, 2010
By

Can high-fiber diets really do all they claim to do? Studies have looked at the relationship between high-fiber diets and many diseases, including colon cancer, coronary heart disease and diabetes.

Proven benefits of a high-fiber diet include prevention and treatment of constipation, hemorrhoids and diverticulosis. In addition, certain types of fiber help decrease blood cholesterol levels.

Dietary fiber comes from the portion of plants that is not digested by enzymes in the intestinal tract. Part of it, however, may be metabolized by bacteria in the lower gut. Different types of plants have varying amounts and kinds of fiber, including pectin, gum, mucilage, cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin.

Pectin and gum are water-soluble fibers found inside plant cells. They slow the passage of food through the intestines but do nothing to increase fecal bulk. Beans, oat bran, fruit and vegetables contain soluble fiber.

In contrast, fibers in cell walls are water insoluble. These include cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Such fibers increase fecal bulk and speed up the passage of food through the digestive tract.

Wheat bran and whole grains contain the most insoluble fiber, but vegetables and beans also are good sources.Sometimes there is confusion as to the difference between crude fiber and dietary fiber. Both are determined by a laboratory analysis, but crude fiber is only one-seventh to one-half of total dietary fiber.

Insoluble fiber binds water, making stools softer and bulkier. Therefore, fiber, especially that found in whole grain products, is helpful in the treatment and prevention of constipation, hemorrhoids and diverticulosis.

Diverticula are pouches of the intestinal wall that can become inflamed and painful.It is now known that a high-fiber diet gives better results once the inflammation has subsided.

Some types of fiber, however, appear to have a greater effect than others. The fiber found in rolled oats is more effective in lowering blood cholesterol levels than the fiber found in wheat. Pectin has a similar effect in that it, too, can lower the amount of cholesterol in the blood.

High-fiber diets may be useful for people who wish to lose weight. Fiber itself has no calories, yet provides a “full” feeling because of its water-absorbing ability. For example, an apple is more filling than a half cup of apple juice that contains about the same calories.

Foods high in fiber often require more chewing, so a person is unable to eat a large number of calories in a short amount of time. Dietary fiber is found only in plant foods: fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains. Meat, milk and eggs do not contain fiber.

The form of food may or may not affect its fiber content. Canned and frozen fruits and vegetables contain just as much fiber as raw ones. Other types of processing, though, may reduce fiber content. Drying and crushing, for example, destroy the water-holding qualities of fiber.

The removal of seeds, peels or hulls also reduces fiber content. Whole tomatoes have more fiber than peeled tomatoes, which have more than tomato juice. Likewise, whole wheat bread contains more fiber than white bread.

Fiber supplements are sold in a variety of forms from bran tablets to purified cellulose. Many laxatives sold as stool softeners actually are fiber supplements. Fiber’s role in the diet is still being investigated.

It appears that the various types of fiber have different roles in the body. For these reasons, avoid fiber supplements. Instead, eat a variety of fiber-rich foods.

This is the best way to receive the maximum benefits from each type of fiber present in foods, and obtain necessary nutrients.

Fiber Rich Foods List

November 22, 2010
By

A noted poet commented “The first wealth is health”. Though most of us agree with the fact, it is also true that we rarely follow any fixed diet plan. Our daily diet must be adequate with all the nutrients required by the body for its proper functioning.

What is Fiber?

Fiber is the key to proper digestion, and aids in cleansing of the stomach and intestines. Fiber rich foods mainly consists of the indigestible carbohydrates, most of which do not get absorbed by the body, and carry waste along with them while leaving the body. Before you get on with the fiber rich foods list, here is something more about the incomparable fiber.

It is interesting to know that, though it is made of carbohydrates, fiber actually aids in weight loss. It gives you a sense of fullness which encourages you to eat less. It also carries out the unwanted fat along with it, which would have got absorbed in the body otherwise. Doctors believe that the digestive system becomes lazy without enough roughage, and it can lead to various complications like diseases of the bowel, rectum, etc. Fiber rich foods are a blessing if in case you are suffering from constipation. However, there are two sides of a coin. Excess of anything is bad, and so it applies to fiber as well. A healthy diet according to age and weight must be followed. A high fiber diet plan mainly consists of well distributed servings of fruits, vegetables, nuts and cereals. Here’s a fiber rich foods list to make you aware of the fiber rich foods to be eaten. Also read on fiber and weight loss.

Fiber Rich Foods List

Fruit
Serving
Fiber
Apple
1 medium
3.3 grams
Apricot
1 medium
0.7 grams
Avocado
1 medium
4.3 grams
Banana
1 medium
3.0 grams
Blackberries
1 cup
7.6 grams
Blueberries
1 cup
4.0 grams
Boysenberries
1 cup
7.0 grams
Breadfruit
1 cup
11.0 grams
Cantaloupe
1 cup
1.6 grams
Currants
1 cup
5.0 grams
Figs
1/2 cup
8.0 grams
Gooseberries
1 cup
6.0 grams
Grapefruit
1/2 medium
1.4 grams
Guava
1 cup
8.9 grams
Kiwi
1 medium
0.6 grams
Mango
1 cup
3.0 grams
Orange
1 large
4.4 grams
Papaya
1 cup cubed
2.5 grams
Peaches
1/3 cup
2.9 grams
Pear
1 large
6.5 grams
Prunes
1/2 cup
6.0 grams
Raisins
2 ounces
2.0 grams
Raspberries
1 cup
8.0 grams
Starfruit
1 cup
3.9 grams
Strawberries
1 cup
2.9 grams

Fruits are versatile as you can consume them raw, in the juice form or as salads. They go well with ice-creams, cakes and all other desserts. Fruits are nutritiously delicious and are very popular among the weight watchers. Find more about high fiber fruits.

Vegetable
Serving
Fiber
Artichoke
1 medium
10.0 grams
Baked Beans
1 cup
10.0 grams
Beetroot (canned)
100 grams
4.0 grams
Broccoli
1 cup
2.3 grams
Brussels Sprouts
1 cup
6.4 grams
Carrots
1 cup
4.0 grams
Collards
1 cup
1.3 grams
Cauliflower
1 cup
5.0 grams
Crookneck Squash
1 cup
2.9 grams
Green Beans
10
2.0 grams
Kale
1 cup
1.3 grams
Lentils
1 serving
6.0 grams
Lima Beans
1 cup
11.0 grams
Potato (medium baked)
1
4.0 grams
Spinach
1 cup
1.0 grams
Sweetcorn
1 cup
5.0 grams
Tomato
1 medium
1.5 grams
Turnip Greens
1 cup
5.0 grams
Zucchini
1/2 cup
2.5 grams

Vegetables are gifted with loads of nutrients and minerals. They can be consumed in various forms. You can have them raw, boiled or cooked with your favorite spices and herbs. Vegetables are perfect as fiber rich foods for adults. Add them in soups or wrap them in a bread roll, vegetables are truly flexible. Read more on vegetables high in fiber and high fiber fruits and vegetables.

Nut and Seed
Serving
Fiber
Almonds
1/4 cup
2.4 grams
Brazil Nuts
1 oz.
2.1 grams
Cashews
75 grams
4.5 grams
Chestnuts (roasted)
2 nos.
1.9 grams
Coconut (shredded)
1 cup
7.2 grams
Flaxseeds
1 tbsp.
3.4 grams
Hazelnuts
1 oz.
2.7 grams
Peanuts (dry roasted)
1 tbsp.
1.1 grams
Pecans
1 oz.
2.9 grams
Pistachio
1 oz.
2.9 grams
Pumpkin Seeds
1 oz.
1.1 grams
Sesame Seeds
1 tbsp.
1.4 grams
Sunflower Seeds
1/4 cup
3.9 grams
Walnuts
1 tbsp.
1.1 grams

Nuts are mainly consumed along with cereals or desserts. They can also be chewed between meals as they are a storehouse of proteins, iron, zinc and many other nutrients. Dried fruits and nuts are ideal as healthy snacks for children as well as adults. Read more on high fiber snacks.

Cereal and Grain
Serving
Fiber
Barley (raw)
40 grams
5.0 grams
Brown Rice
1/2 cup cooked
1.3 grams
Bran
1/2 cup
10.0 grams
Cornflakes
1 cup
0.5 grams
Corngrits
1/2 cup cooked
1.9 grams
Dinner Roll
1 roll
0.8 grams
Egg Noodles
1/2 cup cooked
0.8 grams
French Bread
1 slice
1.0 grams
Graham Crackers
2 nos.
1.4 grams
Macaroni (whole wheat)
1 cup
5.7 grams
Oatmeal
100 grams
0.0 grams
Oats whole
1/2 cup cooked
1.6 grams
Popcorn
3 cups
2.8 grams
Psyllium Husk
10 grams
1.8 grams
Rye Bread
1 slice
2.7 grams
Rye Wafers
3 nos.
2.3 grams
Soya Flour
100 grams
15.5 grams
Spaghetti
1/2 cup cooked
0.8 grams
Seven Grain
1 slice
1.9 grams
Tortillas
2 nos.
4.0 grams
White Bread
1 slice
0.53 grams
White Rice
1/2 cup cooked
0.5 grams
Whole Grain Bread
1 slice
2.9 grams
Wholemeal Flour
100 grams
11.0 grams

Cereals maintain your health along with adding a feeling of fullness to the stomach. Loads of fiber content in cereals encourages stable stomach health. Cereals are quick to prepare and are best meant for daily breakfast. Nothing is better than starting your day with a bowlful of cereals with some fruit and nut garnishing. Read more on high fiber cereals.

The above fiber rich foods list is a small effort to help all my friends who wish to be guided towards a healthier existence, and give a wide choice of fiber foods to eat. In case you are not satisfied, you can browse through the given list of high fiber foods. Since we all know that we ‘eat to live’ and not ‘live to eat’, realizing the fact that a life full of diseases and ailments is not worth living, is a wise thought. We need to focus on following a high fiber diet, along with regular exercises, before its too late. After all, having a plateful of ‘colorful medicines’ is not a very pleasant way of starting a day. Is it?

Dietary Therapy: High Fiber Diets

October 29, 2010
By

Can high-fiber diets really do all they claim to do? Studies have looked at the relationship between high-fiber diets and many diseases, including colon cancer, coronary heart disease and diabetes.

Proven benefits of a high-fiber diet include prevention and treatment of constipation, hemorrhoids and diverticulosis. In addition, certain types of fiber help decrease blood cholesterol levels.

Dietary fiber comes from the portion of plants that is not digested by enzymes in the intestinal tract. Part of it, however, may be metabolized by bacteria in the lower gut. Different types of plants have varying amounts and kinds of fiber, including pectin, gum, mucilage, cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin.

Pectin and gum are water-soluble fibers found inside plant cells. They slow the passage of food through the intestines but do nothing to increase fecal bulk. Beans, oat bran, fruit and vegetables contain soluble fiber.

In contrast, fibers in cell walls are water insoluble. These include cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Such fibers increase fecal bulk and speed up the passage of food through the digestive tract.

Wheat bran and whole grains contain the most insoluble fiber, but vegetables and beans also are good sources.Sometimes there is confusion as to the difference between crude fiber and dietary fiber. Both are determined by a laboratory analysis, but crude fiber is only one-seventh to one-half of total dietary fiber.

Insoluble fiber binds water, making stools softer and bulkier. Therefore, fiber, especially that found in whole grain products, is helpful in the treatment and prevention of constipation, hemorrhoids and diverticulosis.

Diverticula are pouches of the intestinal wall that can become inflamed and painful.It is now known that a high-fiber diet gives better results once the inflammation has subsided.

Some types of fiber, however, appear to have a greater effect than others. The fiber found in rolled oats is more effective in lowering blood cholesterol levels than the fiber found in wheat. Pectin has a similar effect in that it, too, can lower the amount of cholesterol in the blood.

High-fiber diets may be useful for people who wish to lose weight. Fiber itself has no calories, yet provides a “full” feeling because of its water-absorbing ability. For example, an apple is more filling than a half cup of apple juice that contains about the same calories.

Foods high in fiber often require more chewing, so a person is unable to eat a large number of calories in a short amount of time. Dietary fiber is found only in plant foods: fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains. Meat, milk and eggs do not contain fiber.

The form of food may or may not affect its fiber content. Canned and frozen fruits and vegetables contain just as much fiber as raw ones. Other types of processing, though, may reduce fiber content. Drying and crushing, for example, destroy the water-holding qualities of fiber.

The removal of seeds, peels or hulls also reduces fiber content. Whole tomatoes have more fiber than peeled tomatoes, which have more than tomato juice. Likewise, whole wheat bread contains more fiber than white bread.

Fiber supplements are sold in a variety of forms from bran tablets to purified cellulose. Many laxatives sold as stool softeners actually are fiber supplements. Fiber’s role in the diet is still being investigated.

It appears that the various types of fiber have different roles in the body. For these reasons, avoid fiber supplements. Instead, eat a variety of fiber-rich foods.

This is the best way to receive the maximum benefits from each type of fiber present in foods, and obtain necessary nutrients.

Fabricating your health through Fiber

October 25, 2010
By

Introduction to Fiber
Of course if you’re a total foodie and believe in eating healthy, everyone from doctors to dieticians are talking about adding fiber to your diet. Really simply put, the indigestible parts of fruits, vegetables, cereals and pulses is known as dietary fiber. This in reality is the cell wall of the plant.

It is made of a special type of carbohydrate, which remains unchanged after passing through the digestive system. The fiber breaks down only in the colon. Once this is done, the acid produced due to this breakdown nourishes the lining of the colon. And because this is good for the colon, or large intestine, it’s obvious that the food consumed is digested rather well.

In many scriptures, it’s written avidly clearly that food, despite your color or religion needs to be chewed very well. In fact some cultures even promote that if you respect every morsel that you eat, then its best to make yourself comfortable and allow each particle to get into your system with ease. Perhaps they all knew the benefits of Fiber

Fiber has the ability to retain water. This quality makes it an excellent laxative. Infact, adequate intake of fiber can relieve constipation within hours. Fiber rich diets are also a very effective way of weight management. One of the brilliant examples of fiber is Papaya. And also lotus root, if you’ve ever experimented with the vegetable. Rather expensive in its cost, the lotus root comes roughly about $20 per kilos. Its fiber acts as the most natural laxative, that one could find. Its a bit cumbersome to eat, but an absolute natural Vitamin B Complex.

Benefits of Fiber
Interestingly, fiber produces a feeling of fullness of the stomach without adding on too many calories. This keeps a check on craving. Besides all this, it has been found that adequate consumption of dietary fiber reduces the risk of colon cancer, diabetes and coronary heart diseases. It also helps to lower blood cholesterol.

Despite all these benefits, it is important to consider a word of caution. High fiber content in the diet may cause abdominal discomfort and flatulence in some people. Other than this fiber rich diets can reduce the absorption of zinc, which can lead to retarded sexual growth in children. Adults may suffer from anemia and ostomalacia, although this is currently being researched.

The best way to incorporate fiber in your diet is by substituting refined cereals by whole grain. Fresh fruit instead of juices and extracts and whole pulses instead of split ones. Try to consume fiber in its natural form. About 25-30 grams of fiber should be consumed everyday. Oats, rye, barley, carrots, bran and citrus fruits are excellent sources of fiber.

Sources of Soluble Fiber

October 23, 2010
By

Dietary fiber is a food substance found in plants that contains no calories and has many health benefits associated with it. High intake of dietary fiber lowers the blood pressure and serum cholesterol levels, hence reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and certain gastrointestinal diseases. Fiber supplementation enhances the body’s immune system and minimizes the possibilities of many gastrointestinal disorders like gastroesophageal reflux disease, duodenal ulcer, diverticulitis, constipation and hemorrhoids. For people who are on diet or a weight loss program, fiber intake is highly beneficial.

There are mainly two types of fibers: soluble and insoluble fibers. Both these fibers are not digestible as they are not absorbed into the bloodstream. These fibers are not utilized as a source of energy and are excreted from the body. Soluble fiber forms a gel when mixed with water, while the insoluble fiber helps move the food through our body and gets excreted more quickly. The recommended soluble fiber amounts in food is 21 to 38 grams per day.

Health Benefits of Soluble Fiber
The benefits of soluble fiber primarily occurs in our digestive system, i.e. stomach and small intestine. Some of these benefits are as follows:

Soluble fiber decelerates digestion in the stomach and small intestine which slows down the conversion of carbohydrates into glucose, hence stabilizing the blood glucose levels. By reducing the glycemic index of the food, it forces the nutrients to spend more time in the digestive area, eventually increasing the uptake of minerals and other nutrients in the food.
It reduces the blood cholesterol and sugar levels by binding with the bile acids and cholesterol in the digestive tract, hence preventing them from getting absorbed by the body. This reduces the risks of heart diseases and helps in controlling diabetes.
It forms a thick gel when it comes in contact with water in the digestive tract. This slows down the digestive process and gives a feeling of satiety. Hence, fiber is quite a useful component in a healthy weight loss diet as the person doesn’t feel hungry frequently.
Soluble fiber also has some cancer benefits as it helps in preventing colon cancer and breast cancer.
Foods High in Soluble Fiber
Some of the best sources of soluble fiber are as follows:
Fruits like apples, cranberries, grapes, oranges, peaches, pears, plums and prunes are excellent sources of soluble fiber. Eating these fruits without peeling them will help in preserving their fiber content.
Oatmeal is one of the best source of fiber, also having low sugar content.
Root vegetables like beets, carrots, onions, potatoes and sweet potatoes, and legumes like beans, peas and soybeans are also considered to be rich sources of soluble fiber.
Barley and rye are also good sources of soluble fiber which can be found in different types of breads.
Psyllium husk, flax seed, brussel sprouts, blackberries, etc., are some more sources of soluble fiber. To make sure that you get enough fiber content in your diet, all you have to do is to make some minor changes to your dietary habits, like replacing white bread with wheat bread , having an apple or an orange for breakfast or a bowl of oatmeal in place of sugary cereal.

Soluble Fiber Vs Insoluble Fiber

October 6, 2010
By

Dietary fiber, also known as roughage is nothing but the edible part of plant cell wall. Though fiber is edible, it is not digestible. Human body cannot digest fiber and derive energy from it. But still, it is important to have enough fiber in the diet, as it can help to prevent a number of health problems. Our body usually takes longer time to digest fiber rich foods, for which it can prolong the feeling of fullness and satiety. This can help to reduce food intake and thus lose weight. However, this is not the only benefit of fiber. Fiber can have several other important health benefits. Fiber or dietary fiber is mainly of two types, soluble and insoluble fiber. The main difference between the two is that one is soluble in water or liquid, while the other is insoluble in liquid. Given below is some more information about these two types of fiber, and soluble fiber vs insoluble fiber.

Difference Between Soluble Fiber and Insoluble Fiber

As has been mentioned already, the main difference between insoluble and soluble fiber is that one is insoluble in water or liquid and the other is soluble. Insoluble fiber is the dietary fiber that does not dissolve in water. But, it adds bulk to the stool. Our body cannot break down insoluble fiber and so, it passes through the digestive tract almost unchanged. On the other hand, soluble fiber dissolves in water. It swells up and changes into a gel like substance on coming in contact with water. When soluble fiber reaches the large intestine, the intestinal bacteria ferments it. Fermentation of soluble fiber produces short chain fatty acids, that can have some really important health benefits.

Soluble Fiber Vs Insoluble Fiber

Presence of both soluble and insoluble fiber is of crucial importance for our health. The soluble fiber dissolves in water to form a gel like substance and slows down the process of digestion or the movement of food through the digestive tract. This ensures proper absorption of nutrients from food. Soluble fiber helps to stabilize the level of blood sugar by slowing down the release of glucose into the bloodstream. It prolongs the stomach emptying time to stabilize the level of blood glucose. The short chain fatty acids produced during the fermentation of soluble fiber help to lower the level of cholesterol, especially the LDL or ‘low density lipoprotein’ cholesterol. This in turn, can prove helpful in conditions like, heart and cardiovascular diseases. Apart from these, soluble fiber can improve the health of the colon.

Insoluble fiber on the other hand, accelerates the movement of food through the stomach and the intestine. Insoluble fiber remains more or less unchanged as it passes through the digestive tract. So, it can add bulk to the stool to produce large and well-sized stool, that can pass through the intestine easily. It also helps the stool to retain more water and become soft and bulkier. This is why insoluble fiber is important for ensuring regular bowel movements and prevent constipation. In general, insoluble fiber is considered to be of immense importance for cleansing the digestive tract. Besides this, it helps to maintain the pH of the digestive tract and prevent conditions like, hemorrhoids, diverticulitis and even colon cancer.

The scientific names for insoluble fiber are cellulose, lignins, while soluble fiber is known as pectin, mucilage and gums. Some of the important food sources of soluble fiber are, oats, oatmeal, legumes such as, beans, peas, lentils, oranges, citrus fruits, bananas, apples, carrots, barley, psyllium and some vegetables. On the other hand, whole grains, wheat bran, flax seed, whole wheat flour, nuts, corn bran and vegetables like, cauliflower, celery, zucchini and green beans are considered as some of the good sources of insoluble fiber.

So, this is a brief overview of soluble fiber vs insoluble fiber. A comparison between the soluble and insoluble fiber benefits can help you to understand that both the types of fiber are essential for our overall health and well being. Our daily diet should include the foods containing both insoluble and soluble fiber. Though soluble fiber supplements are also available nowadays, it is better to rely on foods for getting enough dietary fiber. However, if you are presently not taking enough fiber, but considering to increase your fiber intake, then be sure to go slow. Following a high fiber diet all of a sudden can cause gas and bloating. So, start with a small amount of fiber and then gradually increase its intake, in order to derive the specific benefits of soluble and insoluble fiber.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Local Events, Concerts, Tickets
Events by Eventful