Why is fiber good for my heart and overall health?

 Fiber really feels like a new buzzword. From the F-factor diet to the microbiome to irritable bowel syndrome, everyone seems to be talking about a high-fiber diet (for better or for worse!). But what exactly is fiber? Did you know that there are two different types? Read on for everything you've always wanted to know about fiber, including how much you should consume and my favorite tips and tricks for getting there.

What is fiber?

Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that our body cannot digest or break down. And guess what? It is only found in plant foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains! Importantly, there are two types of fiber - soluble and insoluble. Most plant foods contain a combination of soluble and insoluble fiber, although in varying proportions. Both are good for us, but in slightly different ways

Soluble fiber - think of it as heart healthy. It dissolves in water to form a gel. This slows down the time it takes food to travel from the stomach to the intestines. Oranges, pears, beans, barley and eggplant are very rich in soluble fiber.

Insoluble fiber - think of it as the kind that helps you have a bowel movement. It is often called "fiber" because it is insoluble in water. However, it draws water into the intestines, which prevents constipation. Whole grain products, beans, root vegetables such as carrots and cauliflower are especially rich in insoluble fiber.

Why is fiber good for my heart and overall health?

Dietary fiber has been repeatedly shown in several studies to be very important for cardiovascular health as well as general health.

In terms of reducing risk factors, it is

Lowers Cholesterol – Soluble fiber has been shown to greatly lower cholesterol levels. It increases the release of bile acids by binding to them - because bile acids are made up of cholesterol, which our bodies try to recycle, this forces your body to use more cholesterol to compensate for the lost bile acids, thereby removing them from your body.