Unlocking the Secrets of Fiber - Soluble vs. Insoluble Fiber Explained
2 min read
Fiber, an essential component of a balanced diet, plays a significant role in maintaining overall gut health and digestion. Primarily found in plant-based foods, fiber comes in two main types: soluble and insoluble. Each type of fiber functions differently in the body and offers unique health benefits, making it important to consume a variety of fibrous foods to reap all these advantages.
Soluble fiber is characterized by its ability to dissolve in water. When it enters the digestive tract, it absorbs water and transforms into a gel-like substance. This process not only helps to slow down digestion, allowing for better nutrient absorption, but also helps to stabilize blood sugar levels by slowing the absorption of sugar. Foods rich in soluble fiber include oats, apples, oranges, carrots, and beans. Beyond its digestive benefits, soluble fiber is known for its role in lowering blood cholesterol levels, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease.
In contrast, insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water. It acts primarily as a bulking agent, helping to move food through the digestive system and facilitating regular bowel movements. This type of fiber is especially helpful for those who struggle with constipation or irregular stools. Whole grains, nuts, cauliflower, green beans, and potatoes are all good sources of insoluble fiber. By accelerating the passage of food and waste, insoluble fiber helps maintain a clean and healthy intestine.
For optimal health, it's beneficial to include both types of fiber in your diet. This diversity not only ensures smooth digestive functioning but also harnesses the broader spectrum of benefits that dietary fiber offers. The recommended daily intake of fiber is around 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men, but most people (roughly 90% of adults) consume less than this (in some cases up to 80% less). Gradually increasing your fiber intake, accompanied by plenty of water, can help your digestive system adjust without discomfort. Moreover, a diet rich in fiber, particularly from a variety of sources, supports not just the gut but also contributes to heart health and metabolic regulation. Understanding and incorporating both types of fiber into your diet can significantly enhance your health and well-being, emphasizing the importance of a varied and balanced diet.
Carbiotix mission is to improve the health of people by increasing the amount of prebiotic soluble fibers consumed. The Company's NutraCycle service focuses on the extraction of Carbersol prebiotics and fortification of plant-based food & beverage products at the site of processing. Thus, NutraCycle aims to bring prebiotic soluble fibers to the masses through the fortification of everyday plant-based food & beverage products. Carbersol sold by Carbiotix and sourced from NutraCycle customers is a complex soluble fiber with complementary prebiotic properties targeting nutraceutical and cosmetic applications. The aim of Carbersol is to increase the amount of prebiotic soluble fibers consumed through supplementation either alone, blended with other prebiotics, as synbiotics, or adjuvants with medical foods and therapeutics. LinkGut is a B2B microbiome diagnostic testing service targeting the validation of microbiome modulators such as Carbersol. The long-term aim of the service is to reinforce consumer behaviours with regards to increasing the consumption of prebiotic soluble fibers by validating for each consumer the positive effects of doing so.