Fiber is the indigestible form of carbohydrate in the diet, often also called as Roughage and Bulk. It remains unabsorbed and is primarily derived from plant sources like fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains etc. Dietary fiber has various health benefits and aids in digestive function as well as in weight loss. There are two types of fiber- Soluble fiber which absorbs water to form a gel-like consistency and Insoluble fiber which does not dissolve in water.
Soluble fiber is an important part of a healthy diet and aids in managing blood sugar levels, reducing LDL cholesterol levels and altering the fat absorption. The gel-like soluble fiber is broken down by bacteria in the gastro-instetinal tract in the large intestines, thereby producing Short chain fatty acids(SCFAs). SCFAs induce apoptosis of colon cancer cells and thereby are considered a protective factor for colonic cancer. The recommended daily fiber intake is 14 gms/1000 kcals consumed or approximately 25-40 gms/day. This should be derived from both soluble and insoluble fibers. Most diets
[1] fall short to reach this recommended dosage of soluble fiber