What is “soluble” dietary fiber, and what is insoluble?

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Insoluble dietary fiber

Many people mistake dietary fiber for those very rough things, such as shredded celery, that can’t be chewed.

Actually, the dietary fiber content of celery is not high (1.6g/100g), and it is not as sweet and juicy as pomegranate (4g/100g).

The rough “fiber” that matches our intuitive impression is just one type of dietary fiber.

We generally boil food with acid and alkali, and the remaining insoluble carbohydrates are considered as insoluble dietary fiber.

They tend to mechanically irritate the intestinal wall, which increases intestinal motility. Helps when constipation is, but limits when diarrhea.

Soluble dietary fiber

Pectin in jams, resistant dextrin in white cans of Sprite, and inulin, psyllium husk powder, etc., are also dietary fibers, but they are soluble Dietary fiber.

Soluble dietary fiber absorbs water in your gut, forming a gel-like substance that makes your stool bulkier and easier to form.

If you are constipated, it can make your bowel movement easier. In the case of diarrhea, make the stool firmer.

So soluble dietary fiber is good for both diarrhea and constipation, and there are many studies on it.

In addition to increasing the humidity of feces, many soluble dietary fibers can also help probiotics grow, and some can even lower blood lipids and improve mineral absorption Effect.