FIBER

FIBER

Fiber  is actually included under carbohydrates in the nutrition information. By definition humans do not possess the enzyme necessary to use fiber for calories or energy, which explains the recent trend to exclude fiber from the carbohydrates content of foods.

 There are two kinds of fiber :

-         - Soluble

-        -  Insoluble

They are both important in the diet but perform different function. How can you tell which fiber is soluble or insoluble? If you peel an apple and place the peel in a glass of water and stir it around, noting happens – it doesn’t dissolve in the water.


This is an example of insoluble fiber.. In general, bran and the skins and peels of fruits and vegetable contain insoluble fiber, which helps with constipation since it speeds the food through yours gastrointestinal tract. If you take the pulp of an apple, on the other hands, and submerge it in water, you’ll find it dissolves. This is an example of soluble fiber (apple-sauce). Soluble fiber may help with lowering cholesterol in some cases (oatmeal), and may also help if you are having diarrhea, since it is a natural stool binder.

It’s recommends that 25 to 30 grams fiber be included in daily diet to potentially lower risk for colon cancer, and possibly other cancer as well. Fiber also tends to help us fell fuller because it slows down the rate of blood sugar release and stomach emptying.