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Fiber is a non-starchy carbohydrate that the body is unable to digest. Being Fiber 1 Canadian Academy of Sports Nutrition caasnexclusively a plant nutrient, fiber cannot be chemically broken down by human digestive enzymes, though a small amount is fermented by the bacteria in the intestine.

There are two types of fibers: water – soluble and water – insoluble.

 

Benefits of Fiber:

1) Helps soften the stool and encourages normal bowel function.

2) Alleviates constipation.

3) Promote satiety.

4) Lowers bad cholesterol level.

5) Lowers blood sugar level.

6) May reduce the risk of developing diabetes type II.

7) Reduces the risk of colon, breast and prostate cancers.

8) Improves cardiovascular health.

9) Promotes insulin sensitivity.

10) Has a protective effect against diverticulosis.

11) Is useful in weight management.

How Much Fiber Do We Need?

 

It is recommended that adults to take 25 – 35 grams of fiber per day or 25 grams of fiber per 2000 calories per day, whichever is higher. Also it is suggested that the ratio of insoluble fiber to soluble fiber in daily diet should be 3 to 1.

Excessive intake of fiber may inhibit the absorption of the minerals iron, calcium, and phosphorus.

For the chemical components, food sources, and differences of the two fibers, see the tables below.

Fiber 2 Canadian Academy of Sports Nutrition caasn

Dietary Fiber: Chemical Components

a) Cellulose

-       Glucans

b) Chitins

-       Chitosan (synthetic)

c) Hemicellulose

-       Beta-glucans

-       Galactomannans

-       Glucomannans

-       Gums

-       Mucilage

-       Pectins

             1) Arabinogalactans

             2) Rhamnogalacturonans

-       Xylans

-       Xyloglucans

d) Inulin

e) Lignins

f) Oligosaccharides

-       Fructans

-       Raffinose

-       Stachyose

g) Waxes

 

Fiber 3 Canadian Academy of Sports Nutrition caasn

Dietary Fiber: Differences

Water - Soluble

Water – Insoluble

1) Dissolves in water and forms a gel.

2) Slows the rate of the passage of foods through the small intestine, increasing absorption of nutrients.

3) Can be easily fermented into gases in the colon.

4) Lowers LDL cholesterol.

5) Less effect on blood sugar.

1) Does not dissolve in water.

2) Accelerates the movement of foods via GI system by acting as bulking agents and laxatives.

3) Can be slightly fermented into gases in the colon.

4) Does not lower cholesterol.

5) More effect on blood sugar.

Types of Dietary Fiber:

Water - Soluble

Water – Insoluble

Barley

Chia seeds

Flaxseeds

Fruits:

-       Apple (skin)

-       Avocado

-       Bananas (ripe)

-       Berries

-       Pears (skin)

-       Plums

-       Prunes

-       Quince (skin)

Legumes

Nuts, especially almonds

Oats

Psyllium

Rye

Vegetables:

-       Artichoke

-       Broccoli

-       Carrots

-       Onions

-       Sweet potato

Corn bran

Flaxseeds

Fruits:

-       Avocado

-       Bananas (unripe)

-       Grapes (skin)

-       Kiwi (skin)

Legumes

Vegetables:

-       Cauliflower

-       Celery

-       Green beans

-       Potatoes (skin)

-       Tomatoes (skin)

-       Zucchini

Wheat

Whole grains

 

Fiber Contents of Fruits:

Fiber Contents of Vegetables: