What better way to learn about food science than when you're on your next grocery trip?
Next time you're in the ceral aisle, pay attention to the number of fiber cereals for you to choose from. Maybe even pick out your favorite!
But you might ask yourself, what's so great about fiber?
Well, fiber is good in all sorts of ways. First, it's important to understand that fiber isn't really a food or even a particular substance. It's an indigestible carbohydrate found in most plants.
But if fiber is indigestible, how can it be nutritious?
That's the thing. Fiber isn't good for you because it provides nutrients. But it does help clean out your digestive system. When you eat stuff that has a lot of fiber it hangs around in your stomach for a while and then gets passed down into your intestines with other food. Because fiber soaks up water it softens the stool, which makes it easier to eliminate.
So in other words, fiber is kind of like a personal liquid plumber.
Plus, it takes up stomach space and makes you feel full without adding any calories. So if you're on a diet, eating high-fiber foods like apples, grapes, seeds, whole wheat products, and beans is a good way to avoid feeling hungry.
Read more
- Earth Eats - Can this breakfast cereal help save the planet?
- Shoppers do not read nutrition labels thoroughly
- Monekys that chew their cud
Sources
- Mayo Clinic - Nutrition and healthy eating
- UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital - Why fiber is so good for you
- New York Times - Fiber is good for you. Now scientists might know why
D: Today's Moment of Science is coming to you from our local grocery store.
Y: What better place to learn about food science and do the weekly shopping at the same time?
D: Here we are at the cereal aisle . . . oh good, they have my favorite.
Y: Toasted Fiber Puffs? [BEAT] Sounds delicious.
D: You may scoff, Yael, but they're not bad. And more importantly, Fiber Puffs are a great source of fiber.
Y: I kind of guessed that. But tell me something: what's so great about fiber?
D: Well, fiber is good in all sorts of ways. First, it's important to understand that fiber isn't really a food or even a particular substance. It's an indigestible carbohydrate found in most plants.
Y: But if fiber is indigestible, how can it be nutritious?
D: That's the thing. Fiber isn't good for you because it provides nutrients. But it does help clean out your digestive system. When you eat stuff that has a lot of fiber it hangs around in your stomach for a while and then gets passed down into your intestines with other food. Because fiber soaks up water it softens the stool, which makes it easier to eliminate.
Y: So in other words, fiber is kind of like a personal liquid plumber.
D: Precisely. Plus, it takes up stomach space and makes you feel full without adding any calories. So if you're on a diet, eating high-fiber foods like apples, grapes, seeds, whole wheat products, and beans is a good way to avoid feeling hungry.
Y: All right, you sold me on fiber.
D: Want a box of Fiber Puffs?
Y: I think I'll just stick to apples.