Nutrition nuggets

What is fiber?

Fiber comes from plant foods, like fruits, vegetables, and grains. It is the part of the plant that the body cannot absorb. Unlike carbohydrates, protein, and fats; your body does not digest dietary fiber. It goes through the body whole.

There are two types of dietary fiber:

1. Soluble Fiber: This type dissolves in water. It turns to gel during digestion, slowing digestion and keeping you full. It comes from food items like oats, nuts, beans, carrots, and barley. It has been shown to lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels.
2. Insoluble fiber: this type of fiber does not dissolve in water. It relieves constipation by instigating the movement of material through the body. It increases the stool bulk in the body and helps movement, eliminating toxic waste as it goes. This type of fiber comes from foods like whole-wheat flour, beans, and vegetables.

Many high fiber…