These are only a few of the major benefits of a high fiber diet. There are many less noticeable advantages, such as encouraging healthy skin and nails, increased energy, helpful with weight control, etc. A number of foods are good sources of fiber,including fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains. Your body requires both kinds. Both types of fiber can be partially digested by bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.
Insoluble fiber is the bran in grains, the pulp of fruit, and the skin of vegetables.
Only soluble fiber appears to have the ability to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. Soluble fiber can be found in a wide variety of foods, including apples, oats, guar gum, dried beans, and green vegetables. According to numerous surveys conducted by the NCI, the average intakes of dietary fiber for adults was 12-14 grams. This is an indication that a large portion of the U.S. population did not meet the NCI minimum standards for dietary fiber intake on the day prior to their examination. Brigitte Synesael founded Your Life-Your Choice in 1997, and is now recognized as an authority on Alternative Medicine Information.