Fibre for good nutrition

Fiber in human nutrition

This healthy matter that we call fiber is among the most important nutritive components that should be included in human nutrition. There exist two kinds of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Both have their own place in the dietary needs of a healthy person. Unfortunately, the Western civilization does not have good habits regarding the intake of fiber – we typically consume around one half of the amount we should. The amount of fiber that is recommended for an adult is some 25g daily.

Insoluble type of fiber is to be found in the walls of the cells of plants, known under the name of cellulose. It is present in all plants, and some contain more of it and some less. There are many advantages to consuming insoluble fiber. Since it is harder in consistency compared to starchy carbs, we need to chew it harder, which promotes well-being of the teeth. That fact that this type of fiber is not possible to digest entirely in the digestive system is good because this non-digested matter travels through the intestinal system, picking up toxins and other harmful matter on the way. Insoluble fiber will help you have regular bowel movements and forestall constipation and cancer of the colon. This fiber is present in the skin of wholemeal cereals and fruits. When talking about healthy nutrition, a meal consisting of fresh vegetables and wholemeal bread is one of the healthiest that you might have.

Soluble fiber differs from insoluble quite a lot. It resembles gel in a way. It can be found in fruits, as well as in different kinds of beans. We have mentioned some benefits of insoluble fiber. However, soluble fiber also has its own unique advantages. Unlike insoluble, the soluble fiber is capable of decreasing the level of “bad” cholesterol in the blood.

Benefits of ingestingfiber

We have mentioned some advantages of having enough fiber in one's diet. Another aspect that some people will find very attractive is the aid which fiber may provide in the effort to drop excessive pounds. Fiber in your nutrition will make you feel more full than after ingesting food that does not have much fiber. This way, it will be easier for you to abstain from eating unnecessarily. Some people have the bad habit of eating too quickly. Intake of insoluble fiber may help these individuals. Since this type of fiber requires more chewing, the person will be virtually forced to eat more slowly – you simply cannot swallow insoluble fiber.