A healthy colon with fiber rich food!

WHAT MAKES FIBER-FOOD HEALTHY FOR YOUR COLON?

First, what really you should about fiber foods is that – unlike other food components such as fats, proteins or carbohydrates — fiber isn’t digested by your body.

Other food breaks down in your body and will likely be digested. However, fiber foods pass virtually unchanged through your stomach + your small intestine, before ariving into your colon.

Second, there are 2 types of fibers:

1 – ‘Insoluble fibers’: this type of fiber promotes the movement of material through your digestive system, so this type of fiber can benefit those people who benefit to those who struggle with constipation. Examples of food including ‘insoluble fibers’ are: whole-wheat flour, wheat bran, nuts, seeds and many vegetables (+ juices).

2 – ‘Soluble fibers’: this type of fiber dissolves in water to form a gel-like material, which can help lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels. Examples of food including ’soluble fibers’ are: oats, peas, beans, apples, citrus fruits, juices of fruits, carrots, barley, rice, pasta, breads, bagels, muffins, psyllium and other cereals.

Third, the major benefits of ‘high-fiber diets’ are: constipation prevention, lower risk of digestive conditions, lower blood cholesterol levels, control of blood sugar levels (fibers slow down the absorption of sugar!), and weigh loss (Fiber fills you up! It takes more space in your stomach and small intestine so you may eat less!).

TWO MISCONCEPTIONS REGARDING FIBERS:

• There are plenty of good reasons to eat a fiber-rich diet, however it is not likely that eating fibers will lower your risk for colon cancer. This is indicated by a pool of 13 colon cancer studies, which was publised in the 2005 Dec. 14 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
• You should also be aware that the word “fiber” is somewhat of a misnomer. For, many of the so-called dietary fibers are not fibers at all!!