Facts, benefits, and functions of humble fiber you may not have known.
1. Fiber is only found in plant foods.
Fiber is found naturally in plant-based foods like grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, as well as fruits and veggies. Animal products like meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy products don’t provide fiber.
2. Fiber is not completely digested by the body
This means it doesn’t get completely absorbed and used for energy like other nutrients. Rather, the undigested bits move through the digestive tract to perform other beneficial functions.
3. Many people don't get enough fiber
Strive for 25g of fiber or more daily. Most Americans and Canadians are only getting half that much.
4. Different types of fiber have different roles in the body
All fibers play a role in a healthy diet, but you may not know that there are different kinds of fiber and they all work differently in the body.
5. Fiber can help regulate blood sugar levels
The gel that forms from soluble fiber also slows the absorption of sugar after a meal to help regulate blood sugar.
6. Fiber helps you feel fuller at meals
There are several ways that fiber can help you feel full. Fiber delays the emptying of food from the stomach, which can extend feelings of fullness. High fiber foods generally take longer to chew and slow down the rate at which we eat, which gives our bodies a chance to signal when we are full.
7. Certain fibers are specifically recognized for promoting regularity
Wheat bran fiber and psyllium fiber are effective at promoting regularity.
8. Fiber feeds the good bacteria living in the gut
Fiber provides food for the good bacteria in your gut. These good bacteria play an important role in overall health status.