Fiber 101

I have been shopping for more fiberous foods lately and come across 'insoluable fiber' on the label quite often. I wasnt sure what it was so I looked it up and here is what I found. Figured I would share since I am sure others may have wondered....

Types of Fiber: Soluble Fiber and Insoluble Fiber

Both soluble and insoluble fiber are undigested. They are therefore not absorbed into the bloodstream. Instead of being used for energy, fiber is excreted from our bodies. Soluble fiber forms a gel when mixed with liquid, while insoluble fiber does not. Insoluble fiber passes through our intestines largely intact.   Insoluble Fiber

	Functions of Insoluble Fiber
	move bulk through the intestines control and balance the pH (acidity) in the intestines
	Benefits of Insoluble Fiber
	promote regular bowel movement and prevent constipation remove toxic waste through colon in less time help prevent colon cancer by keeping an optimal pH in intestines to prevent microbes from producing cancerous substances
	Food Sources of Insoluble Fiber
	Vegetables such as green beans and dark green leafy vegetables Fruit skins and root vegetable skins Whole-wheat products Wheat oat Corn bran Seeds & Nuts

Soluble Fiber

	Functions of Soluble Fiber
	bind with fatty acids prolong stomach emptying time so that sugar is released and absorbed more slowly
	Benefits of Soluble Fiber
	lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (the Bad cholesterol) therefore reducing the risk of heart disease regulate blood sugar for people with diabetes
	Food Sources of Soluble Fiber
	Oat/Oat bran Dried beans and peas Nuts Barley Flax seed Fruits such as oranges and apples Vegetables such as carrots Psyllium husk

This is great info! Thanks for sharing and I have wondered what the difference was as well!