Fiber supplements, can you replace fruit and vegetable fiber?

Those of you who are on a strict diet usually get advice to increase the consumption of foods that are high in fiber. How often do you eat fruits and vegetables? Does every meal always have a vegetable menu on your plate? Or you don't like to eat fruit or vegetables at all?

Even though you don't like eating vegetables and fruit, nowadays there are many fiber supplements that are said to meet your fiber needs. even better than the fiber in vegetables and fruit. Is this true? Can this supplement replace vegetables and fruit?

Benefits of taking fiber supplements

Today there are a lot of fiber supplements available in various forms, whether it's capsules, lozenges, or powders that can be brewed with water. All of these supplements are touted as solutions for people who don't like vegetables and fruits.

Until now, there has been no research that states that fiber supplements are harmful to the health of the body. In fact, it can help meet a person's daily fiber needs. Fiber is needed by the body to facilitate digestion, can reduce cholesterol levels in the blood, and can help reduce your weight, of course. The need for fiber needed in a day is 25 grams.

Are there any side effects from supplements and fibrous drinks

Although not dangerous, in some cases it is stated that taking fiber supplements can make your stomach bloated and uncomfortable. In addition, this type of supplement can also inhibit the absorption of several types of drugs, such as diabetes drugs, antidepressants, and cholesterol-lowering drugs.

If you are taking these drugs, then you should ask and discuss with your doctor first, before deciding to take fiber supplements.

Can fiber supplements replace fiber from fruits and vegetables?

Taking this type of supplement looks promising, especially for those of you who don't like vegetables and fruit. However, of course these supplements cannot replace the original food, even though it has a large amount of fiber. There are several advantages that you can get from vegetables and fruit over fiber supplements:

1. Vegetable and fruit fiber can be adjusted

Fiber supplements tend to be aimed at helping digestion, so they are often laxatives (laxatives). For those of you who have sensitive digestion it can cause diarrhea. Meanwhile, in fruits and vegetables you can adjust the fiber needs you need.

For example, if you are constipated, you can eat fruits and vegetables that contain insoluble fiber such as cauliflower. Conversely, if you experience diarrhea you should consume water soluble fiber, such as apples and carrots.

2. Vegetables and fruit also contain vitamins and minerals

Maybe you can get more fiber if you take supplements. However, what about the needs of other vitamins and minerals? Vegetables and fruit are the main sources of fiber, vitamins and minerals for the body. When you avoid it, it is not impossible that the body will be deficient in vitamins or minerals, which can then cause impaired bodily functions.