Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Dietary Fiber and its benefits

Edible plant fiber is called dietary fiber and they are of two types: the soluble and the insoluble fiber. soluble dietary fiber is a good partner to people who wish to lose weight.

Whole grain fruits and vegetables contain dietary fiber which prevent weight gain. Though the dietary fiber contains calories, the body doesn't digest these calories because our stomach and intestines don't have the proper enzymes to break down the fiber. Therefore these calories pass out of our system as roughage without contributing to gain in body weight. In the actual sense, it provides a sense of fullness without increasing the calories content in our food.

Soluble dietary fiber equally serves as natural lubricant to the intestine and improves the flow of stool elimination. Wheat bran, rice bran and corn bran acts like sponges in the intestinal tract attracting water to the developing fecal matter. The process produce a bucking effect and the result is faster evacuation of stool from the bowel. Eating soluble plant fiber wisely can relieve constipation and bad breath.

Insoluble fiber can improve the normal functions of the intestine and it is very effective in cleansing the colon. It helps to lower the absorption of sugar into the blood and this makes it effective in the control of the blood sugar level. It is very effective in the control of the cholesterol level in the body by binding to cholesterol like a magnet and thus prevent it from being absorbed into the bloodstream. The fiber drags the cholesterol through the intestinal tract and this is eventually excreted.

Natural sources of edible fiber includes: oatmeal, red kidney beans, peas; fruits such as apples, peaches, pears, plums; berries like blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, boysenberries; others are tangerines, oranges, carrots and grapefruits.

By eating more of these edible fibers and at the same time ensuring that your fat consumption is cut down by half, you will gradually shed off excess weight.

No comments:

Post a Comment