What Role Does Fiber Play in Our Diets?
Two Large Families of Fiber
Dietary fiber is one of the most popular and well-known elements of nutrition. For scientists, the situation is complex: how can we establish a definition and description for something so diverse whose effects on health are still being discovered? Nowadays, we recognize that it is in fact a variety of different materials with a range of health properties. Fiber, which is useful for regulating bowel movement, actually falls into two categories with differing effects: soluble and insoluble fiber. Are we eating less fiber than before? Is vegetable fiber better for your health? Are vegetables rich in fiber? What is satiety? What are prebiotics?