Tag: Soluble fiber

A significant majority of adults in the United States fail to meet their daily fiber intake recommendations, with the average American consuming only about half the recommended amount. Psyllium husk is a powerful supplement that can effectively help bridge this nutritional gap.

According to a 2023 meta-analysis, consumption of viscous soluble fiber, like that found in oats, can significantly lower blood glucose and HbA1c levels in people with type 2 diabetes. This guide explores exactly how do rolling oats affect blood sugar and provides practical tips for a healthy diet.

According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, many Americans consume only about half of the daily recommended amount of fiber. This significant gap highlights why is fiber important and how a low-fiber diet can negatively impact various aspects of health, far beyond just digestive regularity.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, fermentation of fiber by gut microflora is an efficient digestive process where more than half of consumed dietary fiber is degraded in the large intestine. The specific behavior of this indigestible plant material is defined by its physical properties, which dictate its health benefits and journey through the digestive system.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death globally, often linked to high cholesterol. A common misconception is whether oats raise your cholesterol. Decades of research, however, show the opposite is true, with oats actively helping to lower cholesterol levels.

With sugar providing 4 calories per gram compared to polydextrose's 1 calorie, many are asking: is polydextrose better than sugar? This synthetic soluble fiber offers a way to reduce calories and manage blood sugar levels, making it a compelling alternative for the health-conscious.

According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, polydextrose has been used as a food additive since 1981, primarily functioning as a low-calorie bulking agent and fiber source. Today, products that contain polydextrose can be found across various grocery aisles, included in everything from processed foods to baked goods, to help reduce sugar, fat, and calories. This synthetic soluble fiber, made from glucose, has become a popular ingredient for manufacturers aiming to create healthier food options.

Polydextrose was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1981 as a food additive. This synthetic polymer of glucose goes by several other names depending on the context, from its E-number to specific brand names.

Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration since 1981, polydextrose is indeed classified as a soluble fiber. But does polydextrose count as fiber in the same way as whole-food sources? The answer lies in its unique classification as a functional fiber, a key distinction for understanding its role in nutrition.

With only about 1 kcal per gram, polydextrose is widely recognized as a low-calorie alternative to sugar, leading many to ask: how much sugar is in polydextrose? The answer is very little, as this soluble fiber contains only a minimal percentage of residual sugars and is largely resistant to digestion in the human body.