WHAT IS FIBER?

Fiber is refers to carbohydrates that cannot be digested.  Fiber is in all plants that are eaten for food, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes.

There are two types of fiber, soluble and insoluble.

Soluble fiber helps reduce your LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol).  Soluble fiber also helps slow down the food emptying from your stomach so that sugar is released and absorbed more slowly, which helps regulate blood sugars for people with diabetes.

SOURCES OF SOLUBLE FIBER:

• Oatmeal
• Oatbran
• Nuts and seeds
• Legumes
•    dried peas
•    beans
•    lentils
• Apples
• Pears
• Strawberries
• Blueberries 

INSOLUBLE FIBER helps move bulk through your intestines.  The benefits of insoluble fiber are to promote regular bowel movements and to prevent constipation.

Insoluble fiber also helps prevent colon cancer.

SOURCES OF INSOLUBLE FIBER:

• Whole grains
•    whole wheat breads
•    barley
•    couscous
•    brown rice
•    bulgur
• Whole grain breakfast cereals.
• Wheat bran
• Seeds
• Carrots
• Cucumbers
• Zucchini
• Celery
• Tomatoes