Fiber


Custom Search




Fiber is another important part of a balanced diet and a healthy digestive tract. It is not labeled a nutrient, however, since it is not digestible but remains in your digestive tract.[1] Fiber is only found in plant foods, i.e., in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes (beans, peas and lentils). [2] Fiber is a type of carbohydrate (just like sugars and starches) but since it is not broken down by the human body, it does not contribute any calories. Yet, on a food label, fiber is listed under total carbohydrate.[3]

Fiber is present in all plants that are eaten for food, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes. However, not all fiber is the same, and there are a number of ways to categorize it.[4] Fiber is plentiful in whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits. Here are some top choices for boosting your fiber intake.[5] Fiber is actually very complex. It is a combination of at least four major components which are distinctly different in chemical composition.[6]

Fiber is the structural component of plant cell walls and consists primarily of cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin and lignin. Nutritionally, fiber is the slow digesting component of feed that occupies space in the rumen and thereby influences feed passage rate. Fiber is also linked to prevent some cancers especially colon and breast cancer . In addition, fiber may help lower the LDL cholesterol (the Bad cholesterol ) and the total cholesterol therefore reducing the risk of heart disease .[8] Fiber is often an initial therapy. Many patients, however, will benefit from Zelnorm, or tegaserod, which targets neurotransmitter receptors in the bladder muscle.[9]

Fiber is also a standard therapy for the treatment of diverticular disease. This painful disease occurs when the tiny sacs in the intestinal wall become weak and infected.[10] Fiber is that part of the foods that cannot be digested by humans. In other words, dietary fiber is that part of food which resists digestion.[11] Fiber is a complex carbohydrate which is found in plants. The body does not digest fiber; instead the fiber component of food passes through the digestive system.