Why dietary fiber matters

When you hear about dietary fiber, many people think that it would be better if it was included, and somehow it would be good for the body.
Dietary fiber was rarely evaluated as a nutrient in the past, but it is one of the nutrients that has been attracting attention in recent years.

Recent studies have shown that dietary fiber has various benefits for the body. There are two types of dietary fiber: soluble dietary fiber and insoluble dietary fiber.

Soluble dietary fiber

Soluble fiber is dietary fiber that dissolves in water.
Fucoidan (kelp, seaweed, etc.), glucomannan (konnyaku, etc.), water-soluble pectin (apple, orange, pumpkin, etc.) are mainly included.

It is often included in health foods and supplements, and is often used in the product names of health foods.
Its main feature is that it prevents the absorption of carbohydrates and cholesterol from the intestine.
Helps prevent diabetes by preventing blood sugar levels from rising too quickly.
It is effective for high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, and arteriosclerosis because it discharges cholesterol.

insoluble dietary fiber

Insoluble dietary fiber is dietary fiber that does not dissolve in water.
Mainly cellulose (burdock, soybean, etc.), inulin (garlic, etc.).

Its main feature is that it stimulates intestinal motility.
It promotes bowel movements and prevents intestinal diseases and constipation.
Many people have this image when it comes to dietary fiber.

Overall Effects and What Happens When You Take Too Much

Foods containing a lot of dietary fiber have in common that they stay in the stomach for a long time, so the feeling of fullness lasts for a long time, and from the viewpoint of preventing overeating, it is also connected to dieting.
In addition, lack of dietary fiber leads to constipation and deterioration of the intestinal environment, so it is recommended to actively incorporate it into your daily diet.

With a normal eating rhythm, it is almost impossible to overdo it.
However, dietary fiber is often included in supplements so that it becomes a brand name. If you take too much dietary fiber due to excessive intake of supplements, it will lead directly to diarrhea and a mineral deficiency due to impeded absorption, so caution is required.