FIBER
By: Shereen Mathews
What is Fiber?
Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that doesn't digest. Like most carbohydrates, break down into sugar molecules but fibers don't break down or get digested. In our bodies, fiber helps regulate the body’s use of sugars, helping to keep hunger and blood sugar in check.
Oats
1 cup = 16g of fiber
Nuts (Almonds)
1 cup = 11g of fiber
Brown Rice
1 cup = 3.6g of fiber
Is Fiber Good or Bad?
Fiber is very good for our bodies, if we didn't have fiber we would have high glucose levels and blood cholesterol. Fiber also helps food through the digestive system. But, if we contain to much fiber, we may get cramping, diarrhea, constipation, or intestinal blockage.
Foods that Contain High Fiber
Types of Fiber
There are two types of fiber: Soluble and Insoluble fibers.
Soluble fibers dissolve in water and these kinds of fibers usually help lower the glucose levels and maintain blood cholesterol. Foods that have soluble fibers are oatmeal, nuts, beans, lentils, apples, and blueberries.
Insoluble fibers are fibers that don't dissolve in water and they help move food throughout the digestive system to prevent constipation. Foods with insoluble fibers include: wheat, whole wheat bread, whole grain couscous, brown rice, legumes, carrots cucumbers, and tomatoes.
Beans
1 cup = 19g of fiber
Pumpkin (canned)
1/2 cup = 13g of fiber
Raspberries
1 cup = 8g of fiber