All Categories
While not a commercial plan designed for weight loss, high-fiber diets have been promoted for years for their health benefits along with their potential to assist in weight loss. The three most important kinds of dietary fiber include:Insoluble: This fiber comes from the walls of plant cells and it doesn't dissolve in water or ferment in the colon like soluble fiber. It is found in whole grains, the skin of fruit that grows on trees, and many green vegetables. This is the kind of fiber that helps with digestive health and regularity.Soluble: This fiber is found in most plants, but especially in legumes and beans, root vegetables, many fruits, and some grains, such as oats and barley. Good bacteria in the colon use this kind of fiber as a food source, and it may help control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.Prebiotic: This is a type of soluble fiber (called inulin or fructan) that is found in asparagus, onions, garlic, leeks, bananas, and some root vegetables, as well as in certain grains. Some foods that are high in fiber are also high in FODMAPs, a group of carbohydrates that can cause symptoms in people with certain bowel diseases. A high-fiber diet has several benefits, including helping with weight loss. While fiber is a carbohydrate, it is not easily digestible. It adds bulk to satisfy your feeling of fullness after a meal while not boosting your blood sugar or adding calories. Also, fibrous foods often need chewing, which is another factor that leads to feeling satisfied from eating.