Fiber
Fiber may be classified as soluble or insoluble. Soluble fiber dissolves in water. An example of soluble fiber is pectin, a gelatinous substance found in fruit. Pectin stimulates the secretion of pancreatic and intestinal enzymes, and relieves constipation. Soluble fiber binds with bile acids and helps reduce cholesterol.
Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water. Cellulose is considered insoluble. It binds with water, creating bulk in the stool. It decreases the transit time of foods in the digestive tract and prevents the accumulation of toxins in the small and large intestines. Insoluble fiber decreases the occurrence of constipation, hemorrhoids, and diverticulitis.
Benefits of Fiber:
- Increases the sensation of fullness, helping to reduce appetite.
- Helps regulate blood sugar and insulin response (the higher the fiber content the more slowly glucose will be released into the blood)
- Promotes healthy intestinal flora (bacteria in the digestive tract use fiber.
- Promotes formation of some of the B vitamins (bacteria in the digestive tract use fiber to form those)
- Reduces risk of developing colon polyps and colon cancer
- Prevents accumulation of toxins in the small and large intestines
- Decreases constipation, hemorrhoids and diverticulitis
