What is the Difference Between Soluble and Insoluble Fiber?

There are two distinct classes or groups of dietary fiber that are required as part of any healthy diet plan: soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and is used by the body to maintain blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and it keep food passing through the digestive tract at the right speed. Insoluble fiber absorbs liquid and helps keep the digestive tract clean. While somewhat different in nature, both contribute important elements that can make for a healthy lifestyle, which makes the regular ingestion of both an essential part of any effective diet plan.

Soluble fiber will dissolve in liquid, and it can be found in most types of fruit. Because it absorbs readily into the body, it can be an effective tool in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Soluble fiber will turn into a gel in the digestive tract and works to keep the rate of food passing through the system from progressing too quickly. This allows the nutrients derived from food to be absorbed into the system before the bulk is excreted. Soluble fiber is thought to also help with maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, which may indirectly also promote a healthier cardiovascular system.

Insoluble fiber, on the other hand, will not dissolve in liquid. As such, it fulfills the important task of helping to keep the digestive tract free of anything that could cause a blockage. Insoluble fiber will absorb liquid and expand in the tract, gently but effectively speeding the process of moving bulk through the system while scraping the interior walls of the tract clean. Vegetables are an excellent source of insoluble fiber, and the eating of this type of fiber each day will help to maintain regularity.

Both soluble and insoluble fiber are needed as part of the daily diet because each type provides specific health benefits. In addition, they both work to maintain the proper function of the digestive tract in general, which can make a huge impact on overall health. Maintaining a stable balance between the amount of each type of fiber in the diet plan for each day can lead to more efficient absorption of vitamins and nutrients, maintain regularity, and prevent several common health ailments that can become serious over time.