Much More Details On Soluble Fiber

By Faryn Clark


Dietary fiber is generally found in various natural sources such as fruits, grains, beans, seeds, vegetables, and nuts. In fact, soluble fiber plays a vital role in preventing the damage to the heart and blood vessels due to the formation of cholesterol plaques. One should include soluble fiber to their routine nutrition plan. Moreover, one can substitute natural soluble fiber with any, soluble fiber supplements.

Sources of soluble fiber

Natural sources that contain soluble fiber include carrots, beans, Brussels sprouts, oatmeal, and other dietary products. The main function of soluble fiber is to form a protective gel layer in the bowel system and to improve the process of digestion. The protective layer of gel prevents the circulation and absorption of various types of bad cholesterol in the body. Moreover, some of the serious health complications like stroke or heart failure can be triggered by the elevated levels of bad cholesterol in the blood. Soluble fiber should be incorporated to the routine diet plan. If one is not receiving adequate soluble fiber through diet, then it is advised to take fiber supplements.

Form of soluble fiber

There are two different varieties of dietary fiber: insoluble and soluble fiber. Insoluble fiber readily passes through the digestive tract without physical change even though it does not readily absorb water. On the other hand, soluble fiber swells on contact with water to form a gel-like substance. Although, the types of dietary fiber differ, however, the recommended amount remains the same. About 30 to 35 grams of fiber is recommended each day for older children, young adults, and adults.

There are different types of soluble fiber supplements. Psyllium husk is naturally obtained by harvesting the seeds of the herb Plantago ovata and it is one of the most common varieties of soluble fiber supplement. Some of the soluble fiber varieties include wheat dextrin, methylcellulose, acacia senegal, guar gum, inulin and calcium polycarbophil. Although, each kind of soluble fiber differs, the overall effect on human system remains the same. There are various forms of soluble fiber based on their dietary source.

The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University notes that Pectin belongs to a group of thick polysaccharide. Polysaccharides belong to a class of carbohydrate that consists of repeating units of sugar molecules. This type of fiber is abundantly found in the berries and fruits. Pectin is also effective in the form of supplement as it is prepared by extracting it from the apples and peels of citrus fruits.

Beta-glucans

The NYU Langone Medical Center notes that betaglucans belong to the group of soluble fiber and are available in different subtypes based on the molecular structure of the fiber. Fortified whole grains such as wheat, barley and oats are the richest sources of beta glucans. Mushrooms and baker's yeast are also rich sources of beta glucans. The clinical benefits of fiber have been demonstrated by the research and it is known to reduce the LDL and total cholesterol levels in the body by up to 10 percent.

Guar gum

The Linus Pauling Institute reports that the Guar gum is a type of polysaccharide that is present in seeds. The guar gum, in addition to reducing the cholesterol levels also minimizes the complications of irritable bowel syndrome. Guar gum fiber is usually added to improve the thickness consistency of foods.

Psyllium

The reports of the University of Maryland Medical Center claim that the soluble fiber acts as a distinct laxative and is hence used as an active ingredient in some laxatives like Metamucil. Psyllium is generally extracted from an herb referred to as Plantago ovata that grows abundantly in India. The fiber is generally present in the husk of the seed, and it is extracted for use in medicines and supplements. Psylium has various health benefits as it lowers the cholesterol level, relieve the discomfort caused by conditions such as the irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea constipation, and even hemorrhoids.




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