Sci241

Fiber Research

Sci 241

Fiber Research

Fiber greatly influences the digestive system, even though it cannot be digested by human enzymes. Fiber slows the absorption of glucose and reduces fluctuations in blood sugar. Fiber also reduces the absorption of cholesterol. Fiber increases the amount of intestinal contents, which reduces absorption by decreasing the amount of contact between nutrients and the absorptive surface of the small intestine.

There are two types of dietary fiber; soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber forms viscous solutions in water and can be broken down by the intestinal microflora. Soluble fiber has been associated with increased diet quality and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease when eaten regularly with a diet low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol. Soluble fibers reduce LDL cholesterol. Foods that are high in soluble fiber include oatmeal, peas, and beans. Unlike soluble fiber, soluble fiber does not dissolve in water and cannot be broken down by bacteria in the large intestine. Insoluble fiber includes foods such as whole wheat breads, rice, and carrots. Insoluble fiber slows the progression of cardiovascular disease in high risk individuals.

The amount of fiber a person needs on a daily basis depends on age, gender and calorie needs. A person who needs 2,000 calories a day should consume 25 grams of fiber each day. To determine the amount of fiber should consume in their diet the “age plus 5” rule should be used. For example a 4 year old should consume 9 grams of fiber a day; 4+5=9.

I learned a lot about fiber. Before this week I did not know much about fiber at all. I knew that it help with constipation and that was it. One fact that I found interesting is that the human body does not digest fiber. I always assumed that we digest every food that we eat. I also find it interesting that fiber can reduce the risk of heart disease. I considered fiber to be connected to the digestive system...