Fitness & Nutrition

What is FIBER?

Fiber is a type of carbohydrate which cannot be digested, but shows its worth through many health promoting efforts. Fiber is the part of a plant which we as humans cannot breakdown and absorb nutrients from.

Now you may think that not being able to digest something would be bad, but fiber is one of the best things you can put into your body to help regulate blood sugar, keep your digestive system healthy and prevent constipation.

Where to look for it…

Fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes are the best source fiber available through food. Things such as bread, pasta and other carbohydrate rich processed foods will also contain fiber.

Types of Fiber…

Soluble – Soluble fiber is the type of fiber which does dissolve in your intestines and has many health benefits associated with your intestinal tract and regulating your blood sugar.

Insoluble- Insoluble fiber is what you know as “regular” fiber. This is the substance that adds to your fecal bulk (poop) and prevents constipation and keeps your intestinal tract healthy.

Below is a chart which is colour coded to match the type of fiber that is being mentioned.

Dietary fiber functions and benefits

As you can see in the above chart, many of the functions of soluble fiber are that to help regulate blood sugar levels, and regulating blood sugar is the most important thing when looking to keep and healthy body and/or lose weight.
When considering fiber intake, go wild. You can eat as much as you would like as long as you are staying hydrated and keeping your fluid levels up.

If you are dehydrated and continue to eat high amounts of fiber it may constipate you. The best way to get your fiber would be through foods, but as many of us are due to whatever reasons, unable to eat healthy all the time. If your fiber intake is below 30-40 grams a day you should consider taking a fiber supplement.

That being said, Chia seed is sold at health food stores and is packed with fiber and good fats. Below is a ground Chia seed product and is available at health food stores everywhere.