The Health Benefits of Fiber

By Alex Ariel Sanders

Many bodybuilders are aware that there is a direct correlation between fiber and fat loss. However, a thorough understanding didn't happen until in recent times; this idea has been one of the mysteries that revolve around fat reduction and muscle build-up. Today, a lot of studies show such relationship as well as the effects of fiber and fat loss to the reduction of chronic diseases.

Fiber is the one found in the cell walls of fruits and vegetables. Since cell walls are only found in the plants that you eat, your meat would not be able to provide you with fiber. There are also two types of fiber available; one is soluble, which means it can dissolve in water, and the other is insoluble, which is just opposite of soluble fiber. Both can be taken and are necessary addition to your diet. With them, you can reduce your calorie intake since plants have very low caloric measures.

The two types of fiber work differently within the body's structures to promote fat loss and better health. Soluble fiber bonds with the bile produced by the liver and with cholesterol in the bloodstream helping it flush out of the body through elimination. This prevents the buildup of triglycerides in the blood.

Insoluble fiber provides bulk. It is what is responsible for the feeling of fullness after we eat. Insoluble fiber does not digest completely in the digestive tract, meaning that it is also the bulk of the matter we eliminate from the bowels. While it does not dissolve in water, it does absorb it, helping to maintain the correct balance of water in the bowels and prevent constipation or diarrhea. Strange how more fiber in the diet prevents both extremes of bowel problems!

Insoluble fiber also takes credit in getting rid of the fat that has already bonded with the soluble fiber out of your body.

In addition to all of these benefits, fiber in general leads to the body burning its fat stores ridding the body of toxins that could cause illness and premature aging and consequently giving a person more energy.

When you look at the fact that the number of calories can be reduced drastically by simply adding more fiber rich fruits and vegetables to the diet in place of sugary snacks and a large portion of red meat, it is easy to see the benefit of fiber for those trying to lose the extra fat. Increasing exercise to burn more calories and speed the metabolism works to provide a powerful double sided approach to losing body fat.

Indeed, you cannot deny the wonderful relationship between fiber and fat loss. Furthermore, you can prevent yourself from suffering degenerative diseases since the foods high in fiber are also rich in nutrients that can prevent the development of illnesses. - 30248

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