It’s not new to add some extra fiber to your diet. Americans have been adding Metamucil powder to water since the 1930s. Extra fiber can now be found in cookies, yogurts, granola bars and protein bars.
First, why? The second is: Does this extra stuff compare to the real thing? This is everything you need about added fiber.
Why is added fiber appearing in all?
Fiber is an indigestible carb found in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and nuts. The Food and Drug Administration explained that fiber is made up of many sugar molecules, making it difficult for our bodies to break down. It’s an essential part of a healthy diet.
There are two types of fiber that are quite different, but they are equally amazing. According to the FDA, soluble fiber slows down digestion and regulates sugar and cholesterol absorption into the bloodstream. This could help to lower blood sugar levels and keep LDL low. According to the FDA, insoluble fiber improves stool bulk and speeds up digestion. This makes it an excellent choice for promoting regular intestinal function and combating constipation.
Food companies are aware that consumers are increasingly scanning nutrition labels to find fiber levels. Tewksbury explains that food scientists have created new types of supplemental fibers that can be added without affecting the taste or texture of foods. It makes sense that food companies pack products with added fiber, such as chips and ice cream.
What is added fiber?
We refer to “added fiber” (sometimes known as isolated fiber) when we mean a variety of fibers added to foods during production. Tewksbury states that they are not natural ingredients in food but are added to increase the fiber content. If it isn’t listed on the package, you might not know that there is additional fiber in the food. (More on which words to watch out for in a moment).
It compares to the real thing.
Tewksbury states that added fibers are similar to intrinsic fibers on a cellular level. Therefore, our bodies process them (or don’t process them) in much the same way. Whether they are added to food or found in natural foods, the small intestines cannot break down fibers, so they pass on to the large intestine, where bacteria break down some soluble fiber.
You can see the real differences when you zoom in and examine the overall composition of many foods high in fiber. These foods are often lacking in other nutritional benefits, according to Tewksbury. Therefore, eating them rather than naturally fiber-rich foods (like whole grains and fruit) will result in you missing important vitamins and nutrients.
Another unpleasant truth about fiber is added fiber.
You are not the only one who feels bloated and gassy after eating fiber-enriched cookies or cereals. Another problem with fiber-enriched products is the high amount of fiber they contain. According to the Mayo Clinic, eating too much fiber (naturally occurring or added) can lead to gas, bloating and cramping. Although you can technically eat too many oats or apples, the fiber content in foods that naturally contain it is usually lower than in those with it added. However, some of these snacks pack in 10-15 grams of fiber per serving. This makes it easy for your GI system to overload in just three or four bites. You might also reach for another brownie or cookie if you’re feeling deprived. This is why you may feel gassy and bloated after eating high-fiber protein bars but not oatmeal.