Dietary fiber is a form of carbohydrate that isn't metabolized by the body and is therefore very useful in slowing digestion, which keeps blood sugar levels in a healthy range, and maintains a healthy digestive system. You'll find fiber in plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, etc.
A
healthy diet should contain about 25 grams of fiber each a day (for children use age + 5 to get the number of grams). Getting enough fiber will:
- fill you up faster and keep you feeling full longer, therefore limiting your caloric intake
- slow digestion which helps moderate blood glucose (sugar) so it enters your bloodstream more slowly and evenly
- give you a healthier colon since it produces organic acids that nourish the lining of the colon, and also scrapes the colon of pre-cancerous cells.
Fiber comes in two forms:
Soluble fiber, which can be dissolved in water, helps maintain blood sugar and lowers blood fats. You'll find soluble fiber in foods like legumes (beans), fruit and oats.
Insoluble fiber, which can't dissolve in water, passes directly through the digestive system. It’s found in whole grain products and vegetables.
All of MealMixer's
Diet Planners plan and track fiber for you so you'll be assured of getting a healthy allotment of beneficial dietary fiber.{{}}