The Real Goodness of Fiber Rich Food

Fiber, which has abundant health benefits, is a polysaccharide or a carbohydrate containing ten or more sugar unit in their chemical structure. Most of these structures are unbreakable by human enzymes, but intestinal bacteria can break down some parts of these structures and make them absorbable. Dietary Fiber can be classified into two, Insoluble fiber and Soluble fiber.

Insoluble fibers, which do not dissolve in water but instead, absorb water, aids in digestion by providing roughage or bulk to stools. It also prevents constipation and diverticulosis. Soluble fiber on the other hand are readily dissolved in water and have a gel-like characteristics on food which are useful in lowering blood cholesterol, managing obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes mellitus, and preventing colon cancer.

So, what is the real goodness found in Fiber Rich foods?

Fiber for weight control

• Fiber may have an impact on body weight in its ability to slow the movement of food through the intestines. This increases the time that foods stay in the intestines to reduce hunger feelings and overall food intake
• Fiber reduces the use of energy by transferring calorie-dense concentrated fat and sweets from the diet to be eliminated while donating little energy.

Fiber for good digestion

• Insoluble fiber stimulates the muscle of the intestines keeping their health and tone which prevents diverticulosis; a condition where the intestinal walls become weak and bulge out in places
• Insoluble fiber increases the roughage on stool making them easier to eliminate; fiber absorbs water that contributes to the bulk and softness of stool and helps prevent hemorrhoids and constipation.
• Insoluble fiber also prevents bacterial infection of the appendix (appendicitis)

Fiber for a healthy heart

• Heart disease is commonly caused by the elevation of LDL (bad cholesterol) in our blood. When the blood reaches the arteries of the heart, the cholesterol causes the fatty streaks and narrows the opening of the artery. Soluble fiber is recommended for lowering blood cholesterol levels by delaying the absorption in the digestive tract, fiber binds to the bile (a substance that combines with fat to be digested) and is excreted.
• Fiber displaces fatty, cholesterol-raising foods from the diet
• The adequate intake value of fiber for adults is 25g per day. The best sources of fiber are whole grain breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables, and dried beans and peas. These foods provide both soluble and insoluble fibers.

Diet with a good amount of high fiber food will help you achieve your Whole Health. Eat at least 2 slices of Gardenia High Fiber Whole Wheat Bread every day. Each serving will give you 20% of your daily fiber needs. If you want juicy and sweet fruits in your wheat bread, try the new Gardenia High Fiber Wheat Raisin Loaf! Every slice provides 29% of your daily fiber needs!

Fiber for Whole Health!