What Are the Functions of Dietary Fiber?

Dietary fiber is a form of carbohydrate that is found in plant foods as a natural swelling and bulking agent. They are not digested and therefore provide the body with little energy. However, these substances are highly recommended for a healthy diet because they help to regulate digestion and have a positive effect on the metabolism.

The plant fibers in dietary fiber must be chewed thoroughly and fill the stomach. Therefore, they fill you up quickly and the feeling of satiety lasts for a longer period of time. Soluble fiber can also help lower cholesterol and have a positive effect on blood sugar levels by keeping them constant compared to other carbohydrates, which is particularly important for diabetics. Too much cholesterol can damage blood vessels. Soluble fiber can be found in apples, potatoes, citrus fruits and oats, for example. Water-insoluble dietary fiber, which is mainly found in whole grain cereals, but also in some types of cabbage and carrots, swells up in the large intestine and represents a nutritional basis for the microorganisms of the intestinal flora. The filling of the intestine also improves intestinal movements and digestion in the large intestine stimulated.

The best way to get enough fiber is to eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. About 400 g of vegetables a day cover the daily fiber requirement, which is at least 30 g.