How Can Fiber Help You? In people with diabetes, fiber — particularly soluble fiber, or fiber that breaks down more easily once consumed, — can slow the absorption of sugar and help improve blood sugar levels. A healthy diet that includes insoluble fiber may also reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. High-fiber foods tend to be more filling than low-fiber foods, so you’re likely to eat less and stay satisfied longer. And high-fiber foods tend to take longer to eat and to be less “energy-dense,” which means they have fewer calories for the same volume of food.
If you aren’t getting enough fiber each day, you may need to boost your intake. Good choices include:
- Whole-grain products
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Beans, peas and other legumes
- Nuts and seeds
Refined or processed foods — such as canned fruits and vegetables, pulp-free juices, white bread and pasta, and non-whole-grain cereals — are lower in fiber. The grain-refining process removes the outer coat (bran) from the grain, which lowers its fiber content. Enriched foods have some of the B vitamins and iron added back after processing, but not the fiber.
Whole foods rather than fiber supplements are generally better. Fiber supplements — such as Metamucil, Citrucel, and FiberCon — don’t provide the variety of fibers, vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial nutrients that foods do.
Another way to get more fiber is to eat foods, such as cereal, granola bars, yogurt and ice cream, with fiber added. The added fiber usually is labeled as “inulin” or “chicory root.” Some people complain of gassiness after eating foods with added fiber.
High-fiber foods are good for your health. But adding too much fiber too quickly can promote intestinal gas, abdominal bloating and cramping. Increase fiber in your diet gradually over a few weeks. This allows the natural bacteria in your digestive system to adjust to the change.
Try some of our healthy soups at SoLé SoupS in Thousand Oaks or Agoura Hills.
Our Brown Lentils w/Kale is a tasty and substantial meal unto itself. This soup is a clean source of protein and fiber that’s loaded with niacin, thiamin, zinc and
Iron!
Come into SoLé SoupS today or visit our website.
