Q & A
Question: What is the difference between soluble and insoluble
fiber?
Ever have questions about health and nutrition? It's sometimes difficult to sift
through all the nutritional information available and separate the fact from the
fiction. However, we're here to help you do just that, one question at a time.
This issue's question deals with fiber:
Question: What is the difference between soluble and insoluble
fiber?
Answer: Dietary fiber is that non-nutritious portion of plant
foods that passes through the bowels undigested. There are two types of
fiber—soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber dissolves in liquid, forming
a thick gel that absorbs elements as it moves through the digestive tract.
Insoluble fiber is a rougher fiber that helps “sweep clean” the intestines
and inactivates intestinal toxins.
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Soluble fiber sources—flax seed, psyllium, apple pectin,
& guar gum
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Insoluble fiber sources—flaxseed, pure cellulose, wheat germ,
& oat bran
It is best to get a balance of soluble and insoluble fiber. The best way
to do that is to eat a variety of fiber-rich foods. The best forms of
“mixed” fibers are unrefined cereal grains (oats, brown rice, whole wheat),
peas, beans, squash, apples, and berries. Flax seed is an excellent fiber
source because it is 50% soluble and 50% insoluble fiber.
If you have a questions you would like to submit, please email
ezine@positivechanges.com
