Certainly, you have heard many times about the benefits of dietary fiber, but is it really as healthy as we believe? Is consuming natural fiber present in plant-based foods the same as adding it artificially to some supermarket products? In today’s article on +Broccoli, we will provide all the keys about dietary fiber.
The truth is that for years, fiber has become one of the star nutrients in terms of attributed health properties. As you may already know, dietary fiber has long been associated with advantages against constipation, facilitating our day-to-day digestion.
However, you may not be aware that there are two types of dietary fiber, and one of them is the one that truly fulfills this function, while the other type of dietary fiber has a completely different but equally important role in our health.
What is dietary fiber?
It is essential to first define what dietary fiber really is to provide context and address this topic with a solid knowledge base.
We can define dietary fiber as a component inherent in plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, vegetables like our beloved broccoli, whole grains, nuts, and legumes.
It has significant benefits during digestion, such as increased satiety or a feeling of fullness after eating, improved nutrient absorption, and, as mentioned earlier, relief from constipation.
Differences between soluble and insoluble fiber
It is also important to differentiate between soluble and insoluble fiber, as they behave differently in the human body.
Soluble fiber is responsible for satiety and facilitating the absorption of nutrients from the diet. On the other hand, insoluble fiber is mostly related to intestinal regularity, as well as the volume of stools. We could say, then, that insoluble fiber is the one that is better associated with the traditional meaning of “fiber” that we all know, linked to better intestinal transit.
What are the healthy benefits of dietary fiber?
Various scientific studies over the years have shown that diets high in fiber are associated with a lower incidence of certain intestinal diseases, such as colorectal cancer and stomach cancer. Additionally, there is research confirming the protective role of fiber in preventing obesity and cardiovascular diseases.
In this way, we confirm that following a healthy, rich, and varied diet with fruits, vegetables, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts plays an important role in maintaining robust health. So, remember, don’t forget to consume your 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, including, of course, the healthy broccoli.