What Is the Function of Fiber in the Body?

What is the function of fiber in the body?

Fiber is a natural tool to fighting LDL cholesterol (commonly known as “bad cholesterol.”) (Fiber, 2008) This may reduce the risks of coronary heart disease. Diets high in fiber tend to also be lower in fat. Fiber also helps keep blood sugars stable and leave the consumer with a feeling of fullness as opposed to a feeling of over-indulgence.

There are many foods naturally rich in fiber. There are two different kinds of fiber soluble and insoluble. Soluble fibers sources tend to be more water based. Examples of these would be citrus fruits, apple pulp, peas, beans, and surprisingly oats have the most soluble fiber of all.

Insoluble fiber tends to come from most grains such as rye, rice, and wheat(Van Horn, L.1997) Insoluble fiber tends to be bulkier than its counterpart soluble fiber. All fruits and vegetables are good sources of both fibers and a healthy diet should consist of several servings of each, each and every day.

Not only do children and adults have different fiber recommendations so do males and females. Children from age’s one through three should consume 19 grams a day; children ages four to eight should consume 25 grams a day. Females ages 9-13 should consume 26 grams while their male counterparts should consume 31 grams. For teenage females the recommendation is 29 and for male teenagers 38 grams (Fiber and children’s diets. 2008) Ages after that should consume 25 grams for every 1500 calories consumed in a day (Van Horn, L. 1997.)

What did you learn about fiber that you were not aware of prior to reading this

information?

I actually know quite a lot about fiber, I have read much about it over the years and actually felt that this assignment could have gone broader such as the benefits of keeping your colon clean and such. The higher the fiber count in a food the less effect the carbohydrates will have on your blood sugar helping you keep from having the proverbial “crashing” feeling.

References

Fiber. (2008). Heart and Stroke Encyclopedia. Retrieved April 17, 2008, from American Heart Association Web site: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4574

Fiber