Fiber Facts
Fiber is an essential part of your diet. Not only is it good for your heart and your colon, it's what Dr. Agatston refers to as a sugar stopper. There are two kinds of fiber, so make sure you're getting both:
Soluble fiber. Soluble fiber dissolves in water during digestion. This process not only slows down digestion and allows your body to absorb the nutrients in your food, it also prevents a rapid increase in blood sugar. Soluble fiber has the added benefit of lowering blood cholesterol levels (you may have noticed this claim on the boxes of some fiber-rich cereals). Good sources of soluble fiber include: Oats, peas, beans, and psyllium (found in Metamucil).
Insoluble fiber. Insoluble fiber doesn't dissolve in water; it passes through the digestive tract intact. Often referred to as "roughage," insoluble fiber helps move food through the intestines while toning digestive muscles. Good sources of insoluble fiber include wheat bran, vegetables, whole fruits (with their skin), and whole grains.
The FDA recommends getting at least 25 grams of fiber per day.
Fiber....Daily Dish
