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Types of Dietary Fiber
- Complex Carbs - Soluble and Insoluble Fiber |
Carbs in Food |
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Information About Carbs | Carbohydrates Guide | Low Carb Diets |
Types of Dietary FiberDietary Fiber
- Best Sources of Dietary Fiber
- Fiber Benefits - Daily
Fiber Needs - Fiber
& Weight Loss There are several different kinds of dietary fiber, and with the exception of chitosan, a type of fiber synthesized from shrimp and crab shells, all dietary fiber comes from plants and whole grains. There is no fiber in animal foods, like meat, fish, poultry, milk products or eggs. There are two basic types of dietary fiber: soluble and insoluble fiber, depending on whether it dissolves in water. Both soluble and insoluble fiber is indigestible by humans. Although insoluble fiber and its health benefits have been known for some time, the benefits of soluble fiber have only recently appeared. Types of Insoluble FiberInsoluble dietary fiber is a natural laxative and includes cellulose and lignin which occur in whole grains (especially wheat bran), and hemicellulose (partly soluble) found in whole grains, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables. Types of Soluble FiberWater soluble dietary fiber binds with and removes certain things in the gut. Types of soluble fiber include pectin, which occurs in fruits (apples, strawberries, citrus fruits); beta-glucans, found in oats, barley and rye; gums, found in beans, cereals (barley, oats, rice), seeds and seaweed; and arabinose, found in legumes/pulses. Soluble fiber can be further classified into fermentable and non-fermentable types. Fermentable soluble fiber helps to feed our intestinal bacteria - the "healthy" bacteria that helps us digest and absorb nutrition from our food. Fiber-Rich Foods Contain Both Types of FiberMany fiber-rich foods, especially plant-foods, contain both soluble and insoluble fiber in varying proportions. But one type of fiber usually dominates. Digesting Dietary FiberAlthough fiber is largely indigestible, the human digestive system does react with it. Bacteria in the digestive tract attack it, causing methane gas to be released in the process, which can cause bloating and flatulence. In addition, fiber - if eaten in excessive quantities - may interfere with the uptake of minerals and vitamins. Finally, excessive soluble fiber may attract too much water from the cells, thus impeding cell-function. For these reasons, it is best to increase your fiber intake gradually and avoid fiber supplements except in carefully measured doses. |
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Carbs-Information.com provides general information about different types of carbohydrate, like monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, as well as nutritional value of carbohydrates, carb-content of foods, plus details of GI values of all food groups, plus advice about diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. But no information is intended as a substitute for medical advice. Copyright 2003-2012 |