What is Dietary Fiber?

The scoop on dietary fiber...

Dietary Fiber, also known as roughage, is the indigestible part of plant foods that travels through our digestive system. Dietary fiber is derived from plants and takes two forms- soluble and insoluble. Fiber passes relatively unchanged through your digestive system and can help prevent constipation by adding bulk to the stool, making it easier to pass. Dietary fiber refers to nutrients in the diet that are not digested by gastrointestinal enzymes, but still fulfill an important role. Mostly found in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes. Fiber also helps maintain a stable blood glucose level because it passes slowly through the digestive tract. Fiber provides pre-biotics, which feed the friendly (pro-biotic) organisms in your gut, promoting a healthy balance of bacteria. Eating high fiber foods can help you feel full and reduce the feeling of hunger, which can also aid in weight loss. According to many studies fiber has proven to promote a host of health benefits. Low-glycemic foods help reduce cholesterol levels and prevent diabetes.