Our world is filled with ever-changing fad diets telling us what to eat and what not to eat. With all of these mixed messages found on TV, online, and in magazines, it is easy to become lost. At the end of the day, I feel more confused than educated! With all of these options swirling around my mind, I always find comfort in the essential part of any healthy diet: fiber.
Fiber is a super nutrient known to aid people of all ages and dietary restrictions. Fiber can be described as the skeleton of plants and other foods. When we eat food, our body breaks down the food and uses it inside the body. But this is what makes fiber so special; our bodies cannot break it down. Because the fiber is not going to other places in the body, it can stay in the small intestine and move into the colon. This cleans the intestines and keeps bowel movements regular!
Fiber can be found in all plant foods and is grouped into two types: soluble and insoluble. Both are very important and have great benefits for our health.
Soluble fiber becomes like gel in our bodies. With this new texture, it is able to grab onto fatty acids in the stomach. This gel substance also takes up more space in the stomach allowing us to feel fuller for a longer period of time, regulates blood sugar, and helps lower LDL, the bad cholesterol. Some examples of foods with soluble fiber are oats, beans, apples, carrots.
Insoluble fiber helps food move through the intestines and increases the amount of stool that we are able to produce. While it moves waste, it also removes toxins. Some examples of foods with insoluble fiber are whole wheat, nuts, green beans, potatoes, and the skin of fruits and vegetables.
This post was written by CHC member 
