What is insoluble fiber?

Many scientists have found it useful lot distinguish two of dietary fiber: soluble and insoluble. It is important because the two types of fiber have different effects on the human body.

Plant cell walls that do not dissolve in water are collectively referred to as insoluble dietary fiber.

These components are cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Cellulose is a non-digestible form of fiber which is found in the outer portions of vegetable and fruits. It is usually found in their crunchy, woody, stems, stalks and peels.

This kind of fiber is a natural laxative. It absorbs, water helps the person feel full after eating and stimulates intestine walls to contract and relax.

Foods high in insoluble fiber are wheat, whole grains, brown rice, cereals, seeds, and the skin of many fruits and vegetables.

Insoluble fiber is found in large amounts in wheat bran and corn bran. Cold bran cereals have more insoluble fiber that hot cereals.

Bran contains cellulose and other cell wall materials and slows the rise in blood sugar after a meal. Bran can protect against heart disease in middle aged men.

Insoluble fiber is incredibly absorbent. It can soak up many times its weight in water as it passes through the intestines.
What is insoluble fiber?