If you are among those people who are careful what they eat and pay attention to what is healthy and what is not, you probably know that eating a lot of fiber is the proper way toward balanced diet and healthy body.
However, people tend to take their diets for granted and eat whatever their friend suggests, without delving a bit deeper into the matter. That’s exactly why we decided to give you the 101 lesson on everything you need to know about fiber.
Why is Fiber so Great?
You probably already know that eating fiber-rich foods such as legumes, whole grains, and whole fruits and vegetables, is extremely healthy and that all fiber-based diets are good for our bodies. But have you ever wondered why this is?
The thing is that eating foods that are high in fiber normalizes your blood sugar and cholesterol levels, has a positive effect on bowel function, and keeps you from feeling hungry all the time.
Dr. Arthur Agatston, a preventive cardiologist, claims that: “Fiber plays an important role in long-term health, but as a society, we don’t consume nearly enough. According to some statistics, Americans only eat between 12 and 17 grams per day when they should be getting 25-30 grams per day.”
Soluble Vs. Insoluble
There are two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber regulates blood sugar levels by postponing the absorption of glucose in your blood stream, while it also reduces the absorption of cholesterol in the blood stream. Insoluble fiber, on the other hand, promotes regularity when it comes to your stool.
Contrary to popular belief, both types of fiber are equally important for your health, and the great thing is that most foods contain both soluble and insoluble fiber.
