What is dietary fiber?
is the part of plants that can not be digested by our digestive system but may be slightly attacked by bacteria that are present in the large intestine.
How many types of fiber exist?
According to its solubility in water, divided into soluble and insoluble.
Sources of soluble fiber
* * oat bran, rolled oats
rye
* * * pulp
vegetables and vegetable seeds and fruit
* flax seeds, sesame and sunflower
* dried fruits
Soluble Fiber: Features
* lower blood cholesterol
* regulate blood sugar levels * providing satiety
Sources of insoluble fiber
* bran
* * shell grains and fruit and vegetable skins
* nuts * seeds
insoluble fibers: Functions
* enhance the role
intestinal
THE BENEFITS OF FIBER:
Prevents:
* Obesity * Diabetes * Constipation
* * Diverticulosis Colon Cancer
* Hypercholesterolemia (high blood cholesterol)
How do the fibers in our body?
The fibers are the property of binding to cholesterol, bile acids and other toxic substances to facilitate their removal. They possess the ability to moisturize achieving that increase stool volume and easier evacuation.
foods that contain them usually contain fewer calories and give a feeling of fullness, so they are a real advantage for those wishing to lose weight.
always advised to consume a natural fiber, ie through consumption of foods rich in them. This will in turn incorporate vitamins and minerals.
When ingested significant amounts of fiber, is recommended at a time, drink plenty of fluids.
Recommendation
How
increase fiber intake?
· Replace white bread with whole wheat bread or water crackers or whole bran cookies
· incorporate wheat bran and / or oats to different preparations such as soups, broths, puddings, fillings, milk, yogurt, tortillas, breaded batter.
· Eat whole grains (eg rice) and vegetables
· Eat vegetables and fruits; the latter, as far as possible in shell (well washed)
How can meet the daily recommendation of fiber?
-2 slices of bread or 6 double bran bran or wholemeal biscuits
+ -4
unpeeled fruit or dried fruit 1 pair
+ -2
generous portions of vegetables (1 serving raw)
+ _1 portion
some grain or legume
+ -1 tablespoon flax seeds, sesame or sunflower
+ -2 tablespoons bran
may sound a lot but in reality, if you incorporate these foods does not cost much to get to meet the recommendation daily. Another reality is that consume muy poca fibra y es necesario aumentar su consumo por todos los beneficios que más arriba se detallan.
Quienes no estén acostumbrados a ingerir fibra, deben hacerlo en forma paulatina, con el objeto de estimular la función intestinal gradualmente y no sufrir los trastornos comunes que se pueden presentar cuando se incorpora fibra en forma brusca a la alimentación (cólicos, distensión abdominal, flatulencia).
Comer más fibra ayuda a reducir grasas
Senior Men who ate two daily bowls of cereal with high percentages of fiber - for 12 weeks - reduced their intake of fat and cholesterol.
In a study by the University
In twelve weeks there was an average drop of 10% fat consumption (of
The calorie intake was the same but the improvement in the amount of fat and cholesterol resulted in a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
Men in this study consumed oats, high in soluble fiber, or wheat cereal, high in insoluble fiber. Both types of fiber are excellent for health. Soluble fiber (Fruit and oats) reduces blood cholesterol and glucose uptake. The insoluble (wheat and vegetables in general) supports the passage of food through the digestive system and makes it easier bowel movement.
The conclusion of these researchers to reduce cardiovascular risk is that the public should consume a diet high in fiber different whole grains, legumes, vegetables and fruits. All these contain vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals.
Source: American Heart Association - Healthy News
Cereals and legumes to prevent chronic diseases
Studies show that, in general, increased consumption of dietary fiber is associated with a lower incidence of colon cancer, including cancers.
has formulated a hypothesis that legumes, and soybeans in particular, reduce the risk of some cancers.
There is evidence that fiber and whole grains in the diet are associated with a reduced risk of arterial disease CHD and some cancers, while pulses appear to have a promising role.
Source: cereals, vegetables and reduced risk of chronic disease: evidence from epidemiological studies. Lawrence H. Kushi, Katie A. David R. Meyer Jacobs Jr., J. Am Clin. Nutr. 1999, 70 (suppl) 415S8S.