Friday, July 22, 2011

Fiber-What’s the Difference Between Insoluble and Soluble Fiber?

We have all heard about the benefits of fiber; it helps promote health as well as helps prevent certain types of diseases and cancers. Constipation, hemorrhoids, colon and breast cancers, LDL cholesterol, and regulating blood sugars can all be prevented by eating enough of the right types of fiber. But what’s the difference between Insoluble and Soluble fiber?


Insoluble fiber doesn’t absorb or dissolve in water. It passes through our digestive system in almost it original form. Insoluble fiber is great for intestinal health. Benefits are promoting regular bowl movements and preventing constipation; removing toxic waste through the colon in less time; and helping to prevent colon cancer by keeping an optimal pH in the intestines to prevent microbes from producing cancerous substances. It also moves bulk through the intestines and controls and balances the pH in the intestines. Food sources of insoluble fiber are: vegetables (green beans and dark green leafy vegetables), fruit skins and root vegetable skins, whole wheat products, wheat bran, and seeds and nuts.

Soluble fiber forms a gel-like substance and swells when mixed with water. Its benefits include lowering total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, which then can reduce heart disease and regulating blood sugar for people with diabetes. Examples of soluble fiber are: oat/oat bran, nuts, barley, flax seed, psyllium husk, and various fruits and vegetables.



For more information contact Talya Meldy at 310-391-2017 or info@clearwayhealth.com.