Recognize the type

Maybe you often hear about the goodness and benefits of foods that are high in fiber. Yes, if you are currently in a program to lose weight, then high fiber foods should be included in your diet. Even so, basically everyone needs fiber intake. But, did you know that there are various kinds of fiber? Here are the types of fiber you should know about.

Different types of fibers and their respective functions

Fiber actually belongs to the carbohydrate group. If you have ever been a complex type of carbohydrate, then fiber is one of them. The function of fiber in the body is to facilitate the work of your digestive organs, bind fat and cholesterol in the body, control blood sugar, and are good for making your weight scale stable or even decreasing.

All that you can get if you eat fibrous foods. But before that, you should also know if there are several types of fiber. The type of fiber also affects how it is digested in the body. And each fiber has its own function.

Water soluble fiber

As the name suggests, this type of fiber is soluble in water. So that when foods containing soluble fiber are digested, the fiber will absorb water and turn into a gel. Soluble fiber has several specific benefits, such as maintaining heart health because it binds to cholesterol, prevents an increase in blood sugar, and keeps weight under control. Examples of foods that contain soluble fiber are apples, nuts, carrots, and various types of oranges.

Insoluble fiber

In contrast to water soluble fiber, in the body this type of fiber does not combine with water and passes directly through the digestive system. Therefore, most of the insoluble fiber can help the movement of stool in the intestines. Various food sources that contain insoluble fiber such as cauliflower, potatoes,

So which type of fiber is good for me?

In normal and healthy circumstances, of course you need these two fibers, because each fiber has its own function in your body. Therefore, you should eat a wide variety of vegetables, so that the needs of both types of fiber are met.

However, if you experience certain digestive disorders such as diarrhea, constipation (difficult bowel syndrome), or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you must adjust the nature of the fiber to the medical symptoms that are being experienced.

For example, for symptoms of diarrhea, it is better for you to eat foods that contain soluble fiber, because the nature of this type of fiber attracts water and helps relieve diarrhea. Meanwhile, if you have difficulty defecating, you should eat food sources of insoluble fiber. The type of insoluble fiber will make it easier for food debris to move in the intestines.