Dietary Fiber

Dietary fiber is the portion of food derived from plants that our body is unable to digest and absorb. These fibers include non amyloid polysaccharides (eg.: cellulose, hemicellulose, gums and pectin), oligosaccharides (e.g. inulin) or lignin. Vegetables, seeds, grain and some partially milled cereal also contain a type of starch which is resistant to digestion and absorption in the small intestine and therefore reaches the large intestine with its structure largely intact acting like other dietary fibers.

The food items that are the richest in fiber are:

• Fruits - apple, pear, strawberry, blackberry, raspberry, blackcurrant, orange
• Vegetables - Brussels sprouts, artichokes, onion, garlic, corn, green beans, broccoli
• Legumes - lentils, chickpeas, beans, peas
• Whole grain cereal derivatives - wheat bran, oatmeal, bread from whole grain or mixed cereals