Posts Tagged ‘Dietary Fiber’
Dietary fiber: Why?
There is much talk about the fibers, almost became fashionable … Baby on Board was a specially invited media for Kellogg Argentina to interview Dr. Sungsoo Choo. Here we share with you the first part of how much we learned. In the next issue, much more!
During the month of September visited our country Sungsoo Dr. Choo who has a long track record in nutrition research specialist in fiber. Buenos Aires participated in the symposium on functional foods. Among others, holds the title of Ph.D. in food chemistry, has written several books and essays on nutrition.
He currently serves as assistant professor in the School of Public Health at the University of Michigan and coordinates the nutrition program at Kellogg Company. fibers
Nutrition as a science was developed mainly during the second half of this century and despite its constant evolution there is still confusion about what constitutes a healthy diet. The concept of including fiber in our diets actually took importance over the past twenty-five years. Before she was considered an inert element lacking in relevance, but experimental and epidemiological observations drastically changed this view. It is now accepted each day with greater emphasis than is possible to design diets that help prevent disease. Fiber is the part of plant foods that pass through the intestinal tract without being digested.
Why fibers are not digested in the intestinal tract of man?
Because the molecular structures of various fibers (hemicellulose, cellulose, pectins, mucilages, etc.) are unique and can not be digested by our digestive enzymes.
The enzymes produced by salivary glands, pancreas and intestine have unfolded molecules as a function of protein, carbohydrates and fats and have specificity to act on certain structures. This fact that was never awarded importance was the subject of studies in the seventies in which fiber intake linked to cancer and cardiovascular disease and who achieved a great discovery to test the hypothesis that fiber plays a role very important in preventing cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer.
It has been shown that wheat bran is important for its function and laxative agent in preventing colon and breast cancers. While oat bran and psyllium prevent cardiovascular disease.
Vegetables: easy ideas to include in your diet
We all know that vegetables are a good and balanced meal. But the question is how do you incorporate them into the food and especially for your children to stop thinking that vegetables are not tasty.
Include vegetables at meals is easy and you can do without changing much the routines of food in your family or the types of dishes usually served.
All kids love snacks. For your child used to eating more vegetables, try to include them at every opportunity.
One way to eat more vegetables is by adding them to soups or blended into rich juices.
For example, add a simple sauce of green or red bell peppers, onions and fresh cilantro soup to give an extra touch of flavor and even more vegetables. If you want a soup rich in protein and vegetables, opt for a vegetable soup and meat. A rich and tasty dish! Read the rest of this entry »
Dietary fiber: Recommended daily fiber
What is the recommended daily fiber intake?
Worldwide recommends Twenty-five grams of fiber per day for individuals whose diets Prev 2000 calories. In men with greater caloric intake (3000 calories) intake of fiber should be thirty-five grams.
Unfortunately in many countries, including Argentina, the daily fiber intake does not meet the fifteen grams. We are well below the recommended values. From three to eighteen recommended intake of fiber is calculated by adding five to the age, for example, a six-year-old needs only eleven grams of fiber.
The proportion of fiber foods require more chewing time. Does it contribute to profitability this?
Having to chew longer and because of the ability to absorb much more water and increase its volume, fiber contributes to feelings of satiety. In addition, the Chewing stimulates saliva production which helps in the digestive process.
This is a good example of that increasing dietary fiber can achieve weight control. Fiber also may help lower blood cholesterol levels and control blood sugar.
Dietary fiber: Types of dietary fiber

What are the types of dietary fiber?
There are two types of fiber: soluble fiber, which is viscous and forms a gel in water. It includes components such as pectins and mucilages found in beans, some fruits, oats, rye, etc.. The other is the insoluble fiber is mainly composed of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Foods containing wheat bran and whole grains are good sources of this type of fiber. The two types have different functions, so it is important to make sure to include both in our diet.
What is the mechanism by which the insoluble fibers have the effect of accelerating and intestinal transit benefit?
Insoluble fibers have great capacity to absorb water so that they act like sponges. This increases the volume of stool, accelerates intestinal transit stimulating peristalsis, ie the coordinates of the musculature of the intestine and requires less pressure on the walls of the colon for expulsion.