Fiber’s fiber, right? Well, actually, there’s a little more to the story than just that. In fact, there are different types of fiber. And knowing the difference is important when managing your daily fiber intake.
See, fiber is a carbohydrate that the human body can’t digest – we lack the enzyme necessary to break it down. Instead, it moves into the colon, where it works its magic.
Fiber can be classified into one of two categories: soluble or insoluble.
Soluble fiber blends with water forming a gel-type substance that works in the colon, where it provides nutrition to the good bacteria present. You can find it in oatmeal, beans, citrus fruits, and apples.
Insoluble fiber doesn’t blend with or absorb water. That means it isn’t as effective in the colon. But it does hold on to water, which can help establish more regular bowel movements. You can find it in seeds, beans, green beans and in the skin of fruits.
Soluble fiber can delay the absorption of glucose, which can help lower blood sugar spikes as well as help reduce total and LDL cholesterol. It can also help regulate the digestive system, increasing micronutrient absorption.
Insoluble fiber can also help regulate blood sugar, can speed transit time of food through the digestive system and can alleviate constipation.
Consuming both soluble and insoluble fiber is essential for healthy bodily functions. They each provide distinct benefits. Some foods can contain both fibers, like potatoes. The peel has insoluble fiber and underneath the peel it has soluble fiber.
As you can see, making sure you consume 100% of your recommended daily fiber intake is crucial to your health. More often than we should, we go about our day not realizing that we have only consumed around 15-17g of fiber, when we really need 28g. Fortunately, each bottle of vibi+® has 27% of your daily fiber needs, making it an ideal grab-n-go beverage option to supplement your diet.
Consult your health care provider before making any strict changes to your diet.
Lattimer, James M, and Mark D Haub. “Effects of dietary fiber and its components on metabolic health.” Nutrients vol. 2,12 (2010): 1266-89. doi:10.3390/nu2121266
