A Lot More Important Information On Soluble Fiber

By Faryn Clark


Dietary fiber is present in various plant sources such as vegetables, fruits, grains, beans, seeds and nuts. The major advantage of taking soluble fiber is that it protects the cardiovascular and circulatory system in the body by preventing the formation of cholesterol plaques. One should learn more about the health benefits of soluble fiber and include it to one's routine diet regimen. In general, one can gain the same health benefits by the incorporation of soluble fiber supplements to their nutrition plan.

Sources of soluble fiber

Some of the purest, plant sources of soluble fiber include Brussels sprouts, carrots, beans, oatmeal, and other dietary products. Soluble fiber is usually indicated by healthcare professionals to aid the process of digestion as the fiber creates a protective gel in the bowel system. This protective layer of gel prevents the absorption and circulation of various kinds of bad cholesterol level in the blood stream. Elevated bad cholesterol level is the main cause of heart attack or stroke. It is advised to include soluble fiber to the diet. It is thus advised to include fiber supplements to ensure that the body is receiving adequate fiber content.

Form of soluble fiber

In general, dietary fiber is available in 2 varieties: soluble and insoluble fiber. Insoluble fiber is a form that doesn't get readily absorbed in water, but it can relatively surpass the digestive tract without any physical change. In contrary, soluble fiber swells up when exposed to water and produces a gel like substance. However, the daily recommended dose of both soluble fiber and insoluble fiber is the same despite the differences. It is advised for older children, adolescents and adults to take up to 30 -35 grams of fiber daily.

The soluble fiber supplements also comprise of different varieties. One of the commonly preferred soluble fiber supplements is psyllium husk. It is obtained by sowing the seeds of the Plantago ovata herb. Some of the different varieties of soluble fiber include methylcellulose, acacia senegal, wheat dextrin, inulin, calcium polycarbophil and guar gum. Although, soluble fiber varieties differ, however its action remains the same throughout the body. Soluble fiber is available in several different forms depending upon the source of diet.

The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University claims that Pectin belongs to the thick polysaccharide variety. Polysaccharides are a form of carbohydrate consisting of repeated units of sugar molecules. Some of the sources like berries and fruits contain abundant quantity of this type of fiber. Pectin is available as a supplement as it is isolated from the peels of citrus fruits and apples.

Beta-glucans

Beta-glucans belong to the group of soluble fiber and are available in various subtypes based on the molecular structure of the fiber states the NYU Langone Medical Center. Whole grain cereals like wheat, barley and oats contain the highest concentration of beta-glucans. Baker's yeast and mushrooms also contain this type of fiber. Research claims that the clinical effects of fiber type present in beta glucans can reduce the level of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol by up to 10 percent.

Guar gum

The Linus Pauling Institute claims that the Guar gum belongs to the group of polysaccharides and seeds are its richest source. Apart from reducing the cholesterol levels, guar gum reduces the complications of irritable bowel syndrome. It is also added to the food to thicken their consistency.

Psyllium

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, soluble fiber is a natural laxative and is hence used in laxatives like Metamucil. Psylliium is found in abundance in India and it is extracted from the herb, plantago ovata. The psyllium fiber is present in the husk of the seed, which is extracted for therapeutic use in medicines and supplements. This type of fiber reduces cholesterol in the body and neutralizes the symptoms of various health conditions like diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome and hemorrhoids.




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