Natural Fiber vs. Added Fiber

In a recent paper, researchers reviewed the literature to see whether there are benefits to eating more plant foods or whether adding insoluble fiber to processed foods would be an adequate substitute. But first, a review.

The Recommended Dietary Intake of fiber is 25–35 grams per day; American adults eat only 10–15 grams per day. You see the problem. Besides the benefit to the digestive system, other benefits include a lower risk of diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Different fibers deliver different health benefits, depending on the chemical properties such as solubility, viscosity, and fermentability. That last one is an important one; the type of bacteria that proliferate in your gut is dependent on what you feed them.

Does insoluble fiber from vegetables, beans, nuts, and fruits, could provide better health benefits than getting fiber from processed foods or taken as a supplement? Many processed foods have their fiber removed, and then fiber is added to whatever food is made such as breads, pasta, and cereals. Turns out that plant foods may be better but not for the reason you might think. Isn’t fiber just fiber? I’ll tell you on Saturday.

Tomorrow night is the monthly Insider conference call. I’ll answer your Insider questions about conditions and products, and also expand on my recent take on vaccinations. Become an Insider by 8 p.m. Eastern tomorrow night and you can join in live!

What are you prepared to do today?