Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Fiber: Not a nutrient, but still importnt

All nutrients are digested in body and must enter cells if they are to be useful. Dietary fiber is part of many foods, and it is important for good health. However, it is not a nutrient because body cannot digest it. The best sources of fiber are cereals and products made with whole grain flour, such as some types of bread and baked goods. Fiber can also be found in fruits and vegetables. There are various types of dietary fiber.
Dietary fiber is made p of complex carbohydrate molecules. However, unlike starch and glycogen, these complex carbohydrates cannot be broken down by your body into smaller glucose molecules. As a result, they cannot enter cells and cannot be used to provide energy.
Because fiber cannot be broken down and absorbed by boy cells, it remains in and moves through body after we eat it. Eventually fiber leaves body with the feces-body's solid waste.
Some types of fiber hold on to water. This helps keep the feces moist, so they move easily through and out of the body. In this way, fiber prevents or relieves constipation.
People who eat very little fiber may suffer from various diseases of the intestines, including cancer. Some people think that eating foods that are high in fiber may reduce the chance of getting these diseases.
Mos nutritionists agree that fiber is very important. We get enough fiber if you eat complex carbohydrates for a large part of energy needs. This is because carbohydrates from plant foods contain fiber as well as starch.