Dietary fibre, also known as roughage or bulk, refers to plant foods that your body cannot digest or absorb. Fibre, unlike other food components such as fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, which your body digests and absorbs, is not digested by your body. Instead, it passes through your stomach, small intestine, and colon relatively intact before exiting your body.
Dietary Fibre is commonly classified as either soluble, meaning it dissolves in water, or insoluble, meaning it does not dissolve.
Soluble fibre. This fibre dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance. It can aid in the reduction of blood cholesterol and glucose levels. Oats, peas, beans, apples, citrus fruits, carrots, barley, and psyllium all contain soluble fibre.
Insoluble fibre. This type of fibre promotes the movement of material through your digestive system and increases stool bulk, making it useful for those who suffer from constipation or irregular stools. Insoluble fibre is found in whole-wheat flour, wheat bran, nuts, beans, and vegetables such as cauliflower, green beans, and potatoes.
The amount of soluble and insoluble fibre in various plant foods varies. Eat a variety of high-fibre foods to reap the most health benefits.
High-fiber foods are beneficial to your health. However, adding too much fibre too quickly can cause intestinal gas, bloating, and cramping. Increase your fibre supplement intake gradually over a few weeks. This allows your digestive system’s natural bacteria to adjust to the change.
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