Fiber Benefits: All This and Weight Loss Too!

With so much talk now about the many fiber benefits and the importance of fiber to weight loss, it's hard to imagine that just thirty years ago, fiber was completely ignored by the medical community as being beneficial to our health! Fiber is found only in plants and is indigestible, which means it passes through the human digestive system unchanged.

Fiber is classified as a carbohydrate and is divided into two additional categories, soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber, found in carrots, oats, apples, and beans, can be dissolved in water. Its chief contribution is lowering cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels.

Insoluble fiber, found in many vegetables, nuts, wheat bran, and whole-wheat flours, is an excellent laxative. It cannot be dissolved in water.

Most Americans only get about half the recommended amount of fiber in their diets. A good diet would consists of 25-35 grams of fiber per day. Men need more than women, and younger women need slightly more than older women.

One interesting fact is that Americans only consume about 10% of the fiber found in typical diets 100 years ago! When you consider the many advancements in wheat processing, that statistic makes more sense.

The best sources of fiber are whole grain breads, fruit, vegetables, and nuts. Wheat bran is actually the single best source, and is found in many natural cereals. Metamucil and Citrucel are examples of fiber supplements that can be easily found in drugstores and grocery stores. These products offer a restricted type of fiber and some fiber benefits, but don't provide all the benefits of fiber eaten naturally.

Take advantage of the many fiber benefits but don't move from a low-fiber diet to a high-fiber diet overnight! It's important to drink plenty of water when adding fiber to your diet. Cramping, bloating, and other gastrointestinal problems can result from adding too much fiber too quickly.

There are a plethora of fiber benefits. Fiber slows down digestion and absorption and allows glucose to enter the bloodstream more slowly, causing fewer peaks in blood sugar. Fiber decreases blood cholesterol levels and produces organic acids that provide fuel for the liver. Fiber slows down the eating process by requiring that you chew, and provides a sense of fullness that makes food more satisfying. Fiber prevents constipation and benefits weight loss.

Weight loss is one of the most exciting benefits of a high fiber diet. Foods providing plenty of this nutrient are more satisfying and provide a sense of fullness. The texture of high fiber foods is appealing to the dieter and the foods tend to be lower in calories than some other choices that could be made.

Wouldn't you want to make fiber an integral part of your diet, given all of these wonderful fiber benefits? Add a healthy portion of high fiber foods to your next meal and experience the sense of satisfaction that comes with this healthy choice.

Article Source: http://www.onestoparticles.com

Gail M. Davis provides additional information on fiber benefits along with easy suggestions for getting more fiber in your diet. You can benefit from high-fiber, healthy recipes and much more on her weight loss advice site, Easy Weight Loss Tips.

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