Not All Fiber is Created Equal (PLUS 3 Tips You Need to Know!)

by Trinh Le, MPH, RD
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Not All Fiber is Created Equal (PLUS 3 Tips You Need to Know!)

We all know fiber is our friend and is credited with many health benefits, the most poo-pular of which are keeping you regular and lowering cholesterol. But the sad truth is, most of us aren’t eating enough fiber. The average American consumes only 15 grams per day compared to the recommendations of 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men.

You might be thinking: Then adding “processed” fiber to foods is an easy way to meet my goals then, right? Not so fast. Let’s look at the differences:

Natural vs. Processed “Added” Fiber
Natural fibers are found in minimally processed foods: pectin in fruit, cellulose in whole grains, beta-glucans in oatmeal… You get the idea! Frequently incorporating these foods into your diet will not only help you stay regular but will also provide plenty of important vitamins and minerals, too.

Processed fibers begin as natural fibers but are extracted, concentrated and added to foods like crackers, breakfast cereals, milks, breakfast shakes, bars and more (think “high in fiber” marketing claims). Commonly added processed fibers include inulin (from chicory root extract), polydextrose (from corn) and modified starches. While these are popular fiber additions to make processed foods seem healthier, they don’t actually lower cholesterol, help you stay regular or likely make you feel more full.

So, What’s the Verdict?
Almost all studies supporting fiber benefits look at minimally processed foods high in fiber, not processed foods with added fiber, so it’s best to get your fiber from natural sources. If you increase your intake gradually and stay well hydrated, natural foods will cause less gassiness and bloating than supplements. Plus, these foods also provide important vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals.

3 Tips to Fine Tune Your Fiber Intake
First work on hitting your fiber goal, be it from natural or processed sources. Start slowly and drink plenty of fluids, and choose natural sources whenever possible. If you’re looking to fine tune your fiber intake to lose weight, be more regular or here are some tips to help:

1. I want to feel more full at mealtime & lose weight.
Think unprocessed and think volume. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and nuts are excellent sources of natural fiber. They take longer to chew and slow the digestion and absorption of simple carbohydrates, allowing your brain time to register, “I’m full.” If you’re hesitating between apple, applesauce or apple juice, pick the least processed option (the apple, in this case) every time!

2. I want to be regular.
To be regular in the long haul, think unprocessed and think volume. Again, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and nuts will provide you with the “bulky” fibers that absorb water and increase stool weight which makes stools softer and easier to pass. Remember to drink plenty of fluids though, because it’s the water + insoluble fiber combo that does the trick!

3. I want to lower my “bad” (or LDL) cholesterol.
Never mind if the fiber source is processed or natural, just think “soluble fiber.” Soluble fibers include beta glucan (oats, barley, rye), pectin (fruit, veggies, beans), gums (seeds, seaweed) and inulin (chicory, onion, processed foods). They form a jelly-like substance in your small intestine preventing your body from absorbing cholesterol.

How do you fit fiber in your day? Share your comments below.

Sources:
https://www.andjrnl.org/article/S0002-8223(02)90228-2/fulltext
https://www.nutritionaction.com/daily/how-to-diet/how-to-diet-is-adding-processed-fiber-to-foods-beneficial/
https://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2012/02/13/146706553/is-adding-fiber-to-food-really-good-for-your-health
https://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/063008p28.shtml
https://healthyeating.sfgate.com/difference-between-manufactured-fiber-natural-fiber-3930.html

About the Author

Trinh Le, MPH, RD
Trinh is a registered dietitian by day, blogger at Fearless Food RD by night. She loves helping folks develop a better relationship with food, which includes lots of cooking, eating and learning about nutrition. When she’s not snapping mouthwatering shots of (mostly) healthy food, you can find Trinh HIIT-ing it at her local gym. For more, connect with her on FacebookInstagram and Pinterest.

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