Products containing cellulose. Rye flour

Fiber supplied with food, or water-soluble and water-insoluble fiber, is not affected by the enzymes of the gastrointestinal tract. They bind waste, help to remove it from the body. Foods rich in fiber, cleanse the intestinal walls, are necessary for the digestive system, metabolic processes, prevention of hemorrhoids, colon tumors, myocardial infarction,.

What is fiber

The cellular membranes of plants, with the exception of algae, are composed of fiber. This is a fairly strong and tough substance.

At high magnification, it looks like a bundle of interconnected long fibers. They are elastic and durable, resistant to the action of digestive enzymes.

Fiber provides little energy and is poorly absorbed. But dietary fiber is essential for the vital activity of the body, the prevention of various diseases.

There are six types of dietary fiber: cellulose, hemicellulose, pectins, lignin, mucus, gums.

The walls of plant cells are composed of cellulose. Hemicellulose, pectins and lignin are intercellular. Mucus is secreted from algae and the seeds of some plants. Gums - from stems and seeds of tropical flora.

Dietary fiber absorbs moisture well, doubles its volume. The shells of the grains (bran) are capable of absorbing water five times their mass.

Pastry products contain almost no fiber. It is completely absent in animal products.

Insoluble fiber

Water-insoluble fibers - cellulose, lignin - are found in cabbage, green peas, apples, carrots, and cucumber peels.

Cellulose refers to carbohydrates, absorbs water well, gives the waste volume and the necessary moisture, accelerates their passage and evacuation from the intestine.

Lignin is not a carbohydrate, it binds bile acids well, helps to lower blood levels. Reduces the risk of gallstones. When stored, its amount in vegetables increases.

Insoluble fiber normalizes. It is needed to prevent chronic constipation, which affects up to half of the adult population.

Every day, the body gets rid of the mass of waste that is formed after the breakdown of food. The volume of waste increased by insoluble fiber stimulates peristalsis - a wave-like contraction of the intestinal walls, makes it necessary to have regular bowel movements, and prevents constipation.

Eating foods containing insoluble fiber cleanses the intestinal wall. The fiber scrubber effectively captures and evacuates waste.

The maintenance of natural physiological processes in the intestines by the use of fiber increases the body's defenses, strengthens it.

Waste not evacuated in a timely manner rot, ferment, pathogenic microflora develops in the intestines.

In turn, it generates a mass of waste products that destroy the mucous membrane, are absorbed into the bloodstream, contribute to the development of diseases of the digestive system, and the formation of tumors.

Water Soluble Fiber

Water-soluble fibers - pectins, resins (legumes), alginase (algae), hemicellulose (barley) - do not swell when absorbed by water, like cellulose, but turn into bulk jelly with astringent properties. They slow down the absorption of carbohydrates and fats, give a quick feeling of fullness, and are low in calories.

After consuming them, blood sugar levels rise more slowly. The amount of insulin, which contributes to the deposition of fat, decreases, and excess weight does not accumulate.

The plant needs pectin substances for the firmness and elasticity of tissues, to resist drought. Pectins and resins contribute to long-term storage of the product.

In the large intestine, pectins are broken down by the microflora, maintaining the acid balance. In turn, the acidic environment contributes to the destruction of pathogens.

Foods rich in water-soluble fiber normalize the activity of the internal microflora, help to cope with flatulence, and reduce the content of putrefactive bacteria in the intestines.

The norms for the use of foods with fiber

It is believed that during the day it is necessary to eat foods containing up to a total of 30 g of fiber.

Some researchers believe that dietary fiber intake is age dependent and recommends fiber intake:

  • up to 50 years old: women - 25 g, men - 38 g;
  • after 50 years: women - 21 g, men - 30 g.

The beneficial effect of dietary fiber is enhanced if the food contains vitamins C and E, beta-carotene.

How to take fiber

Food should remain varied, consisting of various types of greens, fruits, vegetables, cereals. It is preferable to use a whole vegetable or fruit fresh, not to make mashed potatoes or juice from them.

Nutritionists suggest adhering to the following rules for taking fiber (in shares of the daily diet):

  • vegetable salads, herbs - 1/4;
  • fresh fruit - 1/4;
  • heat treated root crops - 1/4;

The remaining 1/4 of the daily diet consists of:

  • carbohydrates: cereals, bread, sugar - 1/10;
  • : nuts, milk and dairy products - 1/10;
  • fats: animal and vegetable fats - 1/20.

Fiber should be included in the diet gradually and reach the recommended level within a month or two. Otherwise, it may swell, the chair will be disturbed.

The benefits of fiber

The inclusion of foods from dietary fiber in the diet is especially necessary for the female body. Fiber reproaches the withdrawal of excess sex hormones estrogen - a common cause of genital tumors in women.

Estrogens end up in the intestines with bile. Eating foods rich in dietary fiber removes hormones from the intestines, and their blood levels drop.

When estrogens are retained in the intestine for a day or longer, they are reabsorbed into the bloodstream.

Thus, the more plant fiber in food, the lower the risk of developing tumors, as well as heart disease.

Raw foods that are not cooked or mechanically processed (mashed) contain more healthy fiber. There is a lot of it in porridge.

  • Oatmeal contains a lot of fiber, which coats and relieves inflammation of the stomach lining.
  • Wheat porridge promotes the activity of the brain, heart, blood vessels, and organs of the digestive system.
  • Millet porridge improves intestinal motility, normalizes fat metabolism, blood glucose levels.
  • Barley porridge is especially useful for metabolic disorders, creates a feeling of fullness for a long time, and has a mild laxative effect.

You can add berries, nuts, fruits, raisins to cereals.

It is worth giving up cakes and rolls. Eat bran or wholemeal bread.

Fiber foods are good for all day, not just breakfast.

A low-fat, high-fiber diet is beneficial in treating diabetes.

Fiber and constipation

The reason for constipation - stool retention for more than two days, difficulty in emptying the intestines - may be a lack of fiber products, taking certain medications.

With stool retention, the mucous membrane of the colon comes into contact with feces for a long time, and is gradually destroyed by the action of carcinogens.

If you are prone to constipation, you should exclude or limit easily digestible foods - fish and meat soups, white bread, mashed potatoes, etc.

At the same time, include foods rich in plant fiber. For example, nuts. They are high in calories, but contain a lot of dietary fiber. A table showing which foods contain fiber is presented below in this article.

On the other hand, the inclusion of dietary fiber for general health in the menu can cause constipation if you do not drink enough fluids - up to 2 liters per day.

A definite indicator of a sufficient intake of fluid in the body is the color of the urine. If it is light, there is enough water. A rich yellow tint indicates a lack of moisture.

You should not drink liquids immediately after eating fruits (such as apples), so as not to cause increased gas production.

Popular recipes with fiber for constipation

When constipating, it is worth trying the following recipes with foods that contain fiber.

  1. Grate coarsely 100g carrots and 100g cucumbers, add 5g, 5g seeds. Eat at night.
  2. Grate 200g of fresh pumpkin with peel, add 100g of boiled grated. Consume for three doses.
  3. Grate coarsely 300g of boiled beets, add 50g of walnuts without shell, 150g of prunes. Consume 100 g of the mixture three times a day. To be treated for two days.

List and table of foods containing fiber

Often, a vegetable or fruit contains both soluble and insoluble fibers. For example, the peel of apples contains insoluble fiber and the pulp contains soluble fiber.

On the other hand, the skins of commercial vegetables and fruits may contain harmful substances. For example, cucumbers cleanse the entire body and have a diuretic effect. But their peel accumulates nitrates, so it is better to peel the purchased cucumber before using it.

Below is a list of different foods containing dietary fiber:

Table of foods containing the most fiber
Product (100g)Fiber content (in grams)
Beans
Green peas6,00
Beans (beans)3,70
Lentils3,70
Greenery
Fennel4,30
Spinach2,70
Dill2,60
Green onion2,10
Thick leaf salad2,10
Parsley (greens)1,80
Celery (leaves)1,40
Asparagus1,30
Green salad0,50
Grains
Wheat bran12,00
Oats10,70
Unpeeled rice9,00
Puffed corn3,90
Boiled corn3,10
Oat flakes "Hercules"3,10
Bran bread2,20
Rye bread1,10
Millet0,70
Wheat bread0,20
Cereals
Buckwheat10,80
Oat groats2,80
Millet groats2,70
Pearl barley2,00
Rice groats1,40
Barley groats1,40
Vegetables
Broccoli3,30
Brussels sprouts3,00
Onion3,00
Carrot3,00
Horseradish (root)2,80
Cauliflower2,10
Beet2,10
White cabbage2,00
Radish1,80
Radish1,50
Turnip1,50
Eggplant1,30
Tomatoes1,20
Pumpkin1,20
Potato1,10
Sweet pepper1,10
Cucumbers0,70
Zucchini0,40
Nuts
Peanut9,00
Almond9,00
Hazelnut6,10
Hazelnut6,00
Fruit
Unpeeled apples4,10
Dates3,60
Dried apricot3,50
Dried apricots3,20
Garnet2,50
Peaches2,50
Orange2,40
Plum1,40
Lemon1,30
Fresh apricot0,80
Banana0,80
Tangerines0,80
Grapefruit0,70
Pear0,60
Melon0,60
Watermelon0,50
Berries
Dried figs5,30
Raspberries5,10
Sea buckthorn4,70
Strawberry4,00
Rose hip4,00
Grape3,30
Raisin3,20
Prunes3,20
Black currant3,00
Rowan chokeberry2,70
Red currants2,50
Gooseberry2,20
Blueberry2,20
Blackberry2,00
Cranberry2,00
Cowberry1,60
Cherry1,50

Correct use of bran

Bran is the most fiber-rich food. Their reception facilitates bowel movements, normalizes metabolism.

Ground bran. Before use, brew the recommended daily dose with boiling water. After half an hour, drain the water, squeeze the bran a little. In this form, add to kefir, cereals, salads.

Fry the bran purchased in the store on a baking sheet in the oven at a temperature of 200C for 10 minutes. Store in a cloth bag on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator.

Granular bran. Add to kefir, milk, soup immediately before use. Often they contain seaweed, vitamins that make the product healthier.

The bran is sold in pharmacies or supermarkets.

It is worth starting to take bran gradually, brewing 1 tsp three times a day. Within two weeks, increase the daily dose to 3c. L. After two months, stop taking, use other foods rich in fiber.

Wheat bran has the softest vegetable fibers. Rye bran is easy to digest. The coarsest structure is found in oat bran.

For recovery and weight loss, it is better to start the reception with a wheat or rye variety.

Harm and contraindications

Some include fiber-rich foods in their diets for treating diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Despite the intensification of complaints, they continue to take plant fibers, which are so beneficial to the body.

In this case, it is worth using less useful products that have undergone mechanical and heat treatment than to be treated with coarse insoluble fiber, to injure the weakened mucous membrane of the digestive system.

Long-term use of fiber in large quantities, and, as a result, long-term violation of the principles of good nutrition can lead to nutritional diseases - associated with malnutrition or malnutrition.

The intake of foods containing fiber should be limited for inflammatory bowel diseases, accelerated peristalsis.

Plant fibers should not be included in the diet of children under 5-6 months, as it can cause diarrhea, intestinal colic (paroxysmal pain). It is better for small ones to give clarified juices without pulp.

Eating fiber-rich foods can cause.

In the elderly, constipation with high amounts of plant fiber can lead to fecal incontinence.

You should not take products with plant fibers during an exacerbation of the duodenum. During periods of remission (weakening or complete disappearance of symptoms), administration is possible.

In case of diarrhea, plant fibers are contraindicated until the stool consistency is fully restored.

Insoluble fiber is rough on the digestive tract and irritates the intestinal wall. The body gets an incentive to get rid of its contents completely as soon as possible.

With prolonged use, the body thickens the mucous membrane, its sensitivity decreases. At the same time, its ability to absorb nutrients deteriorates.

At some point, you have to increase the dose, otherwise the proven way to get rid of constipation stops working.

Decreased digestibility of food, cramps, as well as ulcerative colitis, adhesion of the intestinal walls, and other diseases of the digestive system may be the result of the consumption of excessively coarse insoluble fiber. Or, conversely, insufficient intake of dietary fiber.

Changed: 11.02.2019

Fiber is the hollow fiber of plant food that a person needs for normal life. It improves digestion, stimulates peristalsis. Its deficiency threatens the development of anemia, gallstone disease, obesity, atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus and other equally formidable diseases. It would be helpful to rethink your diet and include plant-based foods that are high in fiber.

Knowing which foods contain fiber can help you diversify your diet for health benefits. The list of those can be divided into subsections.

Cereals

A lot of dietary fiber is found in cereals such as wheat, oatmeal, pearl barley, buckwheat, rice and others.

It is important to eat whole grain cereals. Instant cereals, crushed and processed in a special way, do not contain fiber. While they are convenient to cook, they don't have the same value as whole grains.

Bran

Bran is the residual raw material of milling production, which is a hard shell of grain, which consists of 75-80% dietary fiber. All fiber-containing foods are healthy, but bran is the strongest.

It is recommended to steam the bran with boiling water before use. The mixture is consumed before meals with plenty of water. Introduce bran into the diet gradually, starting with 1/2 tsp. and bringing, within a few weeks, up to 1 tbsp. l. 3 times a day.

In health food departments and pharmacies, you can buy packaged bran of different types: wheat, corn, barley, oat, rice. They are often fortified with fruit and vegetable additives.

Table: Fiber in cereals and bran

Product (100 grams) Fiber (g)
Wheat bran 42,8
Oat bran 15,4
Corn bran 85,5
Oatmeal "Hercules" 6,0
Buckwheat porridge 2,7
Pearl barley porridge 2,5
Barley porridge 3,8
White rice (boiled) 0,9
Brown rice (boiled) 1,8

Berries and fruits

Fiber will supply the body with fruit fruits (pears, apples, apricots, grapes, bananas), as well as berries (currants, raspberries, strawberries). The diet should contain dried fruits - raisins, dried apricots, dates.

A lot of fiber is contained in the peel, but it should be borne in mind that imported fruits, for the purpose of transportation and long-term storage, are treated with special means. It is better to cut off the rind from overseas goods or wash thoroughly under running water using a hard sponge.

Vegetables

Garden fruits are an excellent source of dietary fiber. It is useful to include potatoes, cabbage, carrots, beets, cucumbers, asparagus, spinach in the menu, as well as legumes - lentils, beans, peas.

During heat treatment, the hollow fibers are partially destroyed. Preference should be given to vegetables that can be eaten raw.

Nuts

Walnuts, hazelnuts, cashews, raw almonds, peanuts, and pistachios, lightly fried without oil and salt, can boast a sufficient amount of fiber.

In addition to the above, it is recommended to eat flax seeds, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds. When buying flour products, it is better to opt for durum wheat pasta and whole grain breads.

Soluble and insoluble fiber

It is customary to divide fiber into soluble and insoluble forms. The body needs both types of fiber. The more varied the food on the table, the easier it is to maintain a balance.

Table: Insoluble Fiber Content in Fruits and Vegetables

Products (100 g) Fiber (g) Products (100 g) Fiber (g)
Oranges 1,4 Lemons 1,3
Pineapple 0,4 Carrot 1,2
Apricots 0,8 Cucumbers 0,7
Watermelon 0,5 Peaches 0,9
Bananas 0,8 Sweet pepper 1,4
Eggplant 1,3 Tomatoes 0,8
Cherry 0,5 Black currant 3,0
Grape 0,6 Red currants 2,5
Pear 0,6 Plums 0,5
Melon 0,8 Beet 0,9
Potato 1,2 Persimmon 0,5
White cabbage 1,4 Cherries 0,3
Onion 0,7 Apples 0,6

Coarse plant fibers are not degraded. They adsorb water, increase the volume of feces. Passing through the intestines in transit, the fibers rid it of stale toxins.

Table: Soluble Fiber in Food (Pectins)

Products (100 g) Pectins (g) Products (100 g) Pectins (g)
Watermelon 1 – 1,5 Peaches 5 – 8,9
Apricots 3,9 – 8,6 Sweet pepper 6 – 8,7
Quince 5,3 – 9,6 Tomatoes 2 – 4,1
Eggplant 5,2 – 8,7 Plums 3,6 – 5,3
Grape 0,8 –1,4 Black currant 5,9 – 10,6
Pears 3,5 – 4,2 Red currants 5,5 – 12,6
Strawberry 3,3 – 7,9 Beet 0,7 - 2
Raspberries 3,2 – 6,7 Pumpkin 2,6 – 9,3
Carrot 6 - 8 Cherries 1,7 – 3,9
Cucumbers 5,9 – 9,4 Apples 4,4 – 7,5

Pectins predominate in soluble fiber. Their number varies depending on the variety, the degree of ripening of the product and other factors. In addition to pectins, dietary fiber contains inulin, mucus, gums, and natural resins. These substances are involved in the processes of blood purification, remove toxins and bile acids from tissues, and remove bad cholesterol.

Consumption rate

  • Up to 4 years old - 19 g;
  • Up to 8 years old - 25 g;
  • Boys under 13 years old - 31 g;
  • Teenagers and adult men - up to 38 g;
  • Girls and women - daily 25-30 g.

During pregnancy, the amount of fiber consumed remains the same. Plant fibers improve bowel function and help the mother-to-be to cope with constipation.

Features of assimilation of fiber

Many people know that there are foods with high and low glycemic index. The former very quickly release energy to the body, contribute to the deposition of fat and negatively affect the sugar level.

High fiber foods have a low GI and are digested slowly. Due to the fact that the process of digestion of food takes place gradually, the load on the pancreas is reduced. For people prone to diabetes, fiber helps prevent spikes in blood glucose.

Tip: When eating fiber-rich foods, you need to drink enough water - about 2.5 liters per day. Otherwise, food cellulose will lose its adsorbing function.

Contraindications and harm

The use of fiber should be limited for colitis, stomach ulcers, proctitis.

Eating too much fiber has consequences such as gas, bloating, bowel pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.

If you take into account the contraindications and adhere to the norm, fiber will not harm. Eating food rich in plant fibers activates metabolic processes, lowers cholesterol, helps digestion, which means it leads to healthy weight loss and prevents many diseases associated with the work of the intestines, heart and blood vessels.

What is fiber and what foods it contains, you can find out by reading our article. Fiber is a unique, unique type of dietary fiber that is transformed in the stomach into sucrose molecules, and, without decomposition, are excreted from the body. Fiber should be an essential part of our diet. An adult should eat about 20-30, but not less than 15 grams of fiber daily. If a person is engaged in hard physical labor or is fond of sports, his body's need for fiber rises to 40 grams per day.

Sources of fiber are common food products and artificially synthesized food additives (dietary supplements). It is best to divide your daily fiber intake into multiple meals. Several factors affect the absorption of fiber by the body: this is the general state of health, and the quality of products, and the way they are prepared (during heat treatment, fiber softens, and it is easier for the body to assimilate it).

The benefits and harms of fiber in the diet

The diet of modern people includes few foods rich in coarse fiber. We increasingly prefer to eat out of the house (fast food), ready-made frozen foods and restaurant dinners, forgetting about vegetables and fruits. Meanwhile, even the highest quality dietary supplements cannot make up for a lack of fiber from natural foods.

Excess weight, diseases of the cardiovascular system and - this is the disastrous result of malnutrition with a low content of coarse fiber. Fiber stimulates digestion and intestinal peristalsis - it is easier for the body to remove undigested food debris when fiber is in the diet. With its lack in the intestines, fermentation processes begin, which leads to constipation and flatulence.

However, it is important for the health of the body to eat varied and at the same time in moderation. Too much coarse fiber in the diet interferes with the absorption of other nutrients from food. Once in the digestive system, fiber tends to increase in size at least twice. Some foods that contain fiber (such as bran) can grow up to 5 times.

Related article:

List of foods rich in beneficial amino acids. Which ones are irreplaceable?

The minimum consequences for the body, which leads to the uncontrolled use of coarse fibers - disturbances in the work of the gastrointestinal tract and bloating. If you decide to enrich your daily diet with high-fiber foods, start gradually, start with small portions, and gradually work up your fiber intake.

Although fiber is digested and absorbed slowly, it is difficult to overestimate its benefits for our body:

  • it normalizes the functioning of the ZhTK;
  • supports the intestinal microflora, thereby increasing its peristalsis;
  • promotes weight loss, as it slows down the absorption of proteins, fats and carbohydrates;
  • helps to cleanse the intestines of toxins and toxins;
  • helps to remove harmful substances and heavy metals from the body;
  • prevents diseases of the cardiovascular system and diabetes.

The main types and characteristics of fiber

Fiber is divided into two types:

  1. Soluble - has a relatively mild effect on the digestive organs, in the intestine it turns into a viscous gel-like substance, which slows down the absorption of food and reduces it. Soluble fiber is found in foods such as: carrots, apples, broccoli and cabbage, citrus fruits, wholemeal flour, cereals (oats, barley and rye), legumes (peas, beans, lentils), a variety of berries, sunflower seeds ).
  2. Insoluble fiber has the opposite effect - it swells when it enters the stomach and intestines, thereby accelerating the passage of food through the gastrointestinal tract. This is what determines the mild laxative effect of fiber. In addition, insoluble fiber restores the intestinal microflora and normalizes the digestive tract. Insoluble fiber is found in bran, legumes, vegetable and fruit skins, cereal hulls, nuts and seeds).


If we consider the types of fiber in more detail, then the following types can be distinguished:

  1. pectins (intercellular carbohydrates),
  2. gums (walls and seeds of tropical plants),
  3. cellulose (plant cell walls),
  4. mucus (plant seeds and algae),
  5. hemicellulose,
  6. lignin.

Video

What foods contain fiber (table)?

Every health conscious person should be aware of fiber-rich foods to include in their diet on a daily basis. In general terms, we can say that plants, their leaves, fruits, stems, tubers and roots are rich in fiber. Sources of vegetable fiber content are cereals, vegetables and fruits, berries and nuts.

The foods richest in fiber include:

  • buckwheat;
  • oatmeal;
  • Whole grain bread and bran baked goods.

To make it easier for you to plan your daily diet and make a shopping list, we have compiled a convenient table. Now you will know which foods are high in fiber. You can print the table and hang it in the kitchen, and it is also convenient to take it with you when you go shopping.

Foods rich in plant fiberList of foods high in fiber
Cereals and cereals contain the most fiberWhole grain and bran bread, whole grain pasta, oats, brown rice.
VegetablesBeets, avocados, white cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and Brussels sprouts, corn, carrots, green beans, celery root, onions, bell peppers, green peas, peeled potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, tomatoes, zucchini and eggplants.
LegumesBeans, lentils, soybeans.
Nuts and seedsAlmonds, cashews, walnuts, hazelnuts, peanuts, pistachios, pumpkin and sunflower seeds.
FruitApples, dried fruits (dried apricots, raisins, prunes, dates), apricots, bananas, melons, grapefruits, peaches, oranges, pears, plums, raspberries, strawberries.
GreeneryLettuce, parsley, dill, green onions, fennel, asparagus, celery, spinach.

There are foods that do not contain coarse fiber. These include all food of animal origin: meat and fish, dairy and cultured milk products and cheeses. Such foods do not belong to fiber.


If you want to get the most health benefits from fiber, try to consume it along with foods containing beta-carotenes, vitamins E and C. Try to get fiber from a variety of sources, even if all foods containing this substance are present in your diet. Fiber is contraindicated in infants and people with gastrointestinal diseases. Fiber is an essential component of a modern healthy diet. Include it regularly in your diet and you will soon notice an improvement in your health.

The table below shows which foods are high in fiber. Data are given in grams per volume.

Fruit Volume
Blueberry 1 glass 8.8
Dried apricots 10 halves 8.5
Raspberries 1 glass 8.0
Apricot 10 pieces 8.0
Prunes 10 pieces 6.0
Pear (always with skin) 1 medium 5.5
Apple (always with skin) 1 average 4.4
Coconut flakes 1 tablespoon 3.4
Banana 1 medium 3.1
Orange 1 medium 3.1
Strawberry 1 glass 3.0
Avocado 1/2 medium fruit 2.8
Watermelon 1 small slice 2.8
Peach 1 medium 2.3
Cranberry 1/4 cup 2.0
Figs (dried) 2 medium 1.6
Melon 3 standard pieces 1.5
Cherries (fresh) 10 pieces 1.2
Raisin 60 pieces 1.0
Grapefruit 1/2 medium 0.8
Pineapple (canned) 1 glass 0.8
Grains, cereals, pasta Volume The amount of fiber in grams
Bulgur (boiled) 1 glass 9.6
1 glass 7.6
1 glass 7.4
Spaghetti (boiled) 1 glass 6.3
Barley and pearl barley porridge (boiled) 1 glass 6.0
Egg noodles 1 glass 5.7
Bran flakes 3/4 cup 5.3
Bread with bran and oats 1 small bun 5.2
Oatmeal (boiled) 1 glass 4.0
Popcorn 3 glasses 3.5
Brown rice (boiled) 1 glass 3.5
Rye bread 1 piece 1.9
White bread 1 piece 1.9
White rice (boiled) 1 glass 1.8
Legumes, nuts, seeds Volume The amount of fiber in grams
Peas (boiled) 1 glass 16.3
(boiled) 1 glass 15.6
Dark (boiled) 1 glass 15.0
Flax seeds 1/4 cup 13.5
Lima beans (boiled) 1 glass 13.2
Chickpeas (boiled) 1 glass 12.0
2 tablespoons 11
Canned beans 1 glass 10.4
Peanut 1/4 cup 4.0
Sunflower seeds 1/4 cup 3.9
Almond 23 things 3.5
Pistachios 50 pieces 2.9
Pecans 20 pieces 2.7
1/2 teaspoon 2.5
Pumpkin seeds 1/4 cup 2.1
Cashew nuts 1/4 cup 1.6
Peanut butter (homemade) 1 tablespoon 1.5
Walnuts (peeled and shredded) 1 tablespoon 1.1
Vegetables Volume The amount of fiber in grams
Green pea 1 glass 8.8
Spinach (boiled) 1/2 cup 7.0
Zucchini (raw, finely chopped) 1 glass 6.0
Broccoli (boiled) 1 glass 5.1
Turnip (boiled) 1 glass 5.0
Brussels sprouts (boiled) 1 glass 4.1
1 glass 4.1
Corn (boiled) 1 glass 4.0
Eggplant (baked) 1/4 average 4.0
Potatoes (baked with peel) 1 small 3.0
Beets (boiled) 1 medium 3.0
Rhubarb (boiled) 1/2 cup 2.9
Tomato paste 1/4 cup 2.7
Cauliflower (boiled) 1 cup 2.5
White cabbage (fresh) 100 grams of cabbage 2.2
Olives (green and black) 10 pieces 2.0
Celery (stalk, chopped) 1/4 cup 2.0
Watercress 1 glass 2.0
Carrots (raw) 1 medium 1.7
Tomatoes 1 medium 1.4
Green onions 1/4 cup 0.8
Cucumber (with skin) 1 medium 0.7
Parsley (chopped) 1 tablespoon 0.3
Onion 1 tablespoon 0.2

This table shows quite clearly which foods are high in fiber. However, it does not say anything about which of these products should be preferred in order not only to saturate the body with plant fibers, but also to actually benefit it.

After all, a situation can always arise when you treat one thing and cripple the other. When the saturation of the body with plant fiber with the help of products that also carry a large amount of unhealthy compounds will bring the body more harm than good.

So we need to revisit our table of fiber-rich foods and keep only foods that are absolutely beneficial for both weight loss and general wellness. After all the necessary abbreviations, the table will become significantly shorter and will look something like this:

  • berries;
  • flax seeds, chia seeds and other seeds;
  • peanut butter;
  • all types of cabbage;
  • root crops and tubers;
  • any nuts;
  • peas and other legumes;
  • avocado;
  • tomatoes and cucumbers;
  • any greens.

Why are these fiber-rich foods left on the table?

First of all, all foods with a lot of carbohydrates were removed from the list, since. So in bulgur or spaghetti there can be as much fiber as you like, but these products are not suitable for losing weight and maintaining health.

In addition, fruits were crossed out and, since it contains too much, which is one of the most harmful "natural" compounds for the human body.

As a result, only berries, which are high in fiber and low in fructose, were left in the table. And also avocado, in which there is no fructose, but there is a lot of fat useful for the body. For the same reason (rich in healthy fats), peanut butter was added to the table separately.
Also on the list are foods with fiber for the intestines, such as cucumbers and tomatoes.

Most of us have heard that fiber is good for digestion, that foods containing it must be present in the diet, but many do not even think about what fiber is, why it should be eaten and in which foods it is most abundant.

Fiber, also called plant or dietary fiber, is chemically a complex of various polysaccharides found in plant foods.

Insoluble fiber (cellulose) is not digested by enzymes in the digestive tract. It works in the intestine as an enterosorbent, capturing various harmful substances produced as a result of fermentation processes in the intestine, slags, toxins, radionuclides, cholesterol, and removes them from the body. In addition, dietary fibers, swelling and increasing in volume, mechanically irritate the intestinal walls, thereby stimulating its motility. As a result of the intestinal filling with fiber, a feeling of satiety is created, thereby preventing it.

Soluble fiber (pectin, inulin, resin) is not affected by enzymes in the mouth, stomach and small intestine, but it is partially processed in the large intestine. Such fiber is necessary to ensure the normal functioning of the microflora in the intestine, since it maintains a certain acidity. Maintaining an acidic environment helps prevent the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Soluble fiber, especially pectin, slows down the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream, thereby avoiding sudden fluctuations in levels. With sufficient fiber intake, the level in the blood decreases, as the absorption of fats decreases.

On average, a person is recommended to consume 20-30 g of fiber per day, there are conditions in which the body needs more dietary fiber. Fiber should be obtained from various food products; it is recommended to use dietary supplements only if necessary. More dietary fiber is required for people with anemia, prone to, pregnant women. However, you should not abuse foods containing fiber, and even more so food additives with it, as this can lead to constipation. It is necessary to increase the amount of fiber in the diet for those wishing to cleanse the body of toxins with it gradually.

What foods contain fiber?

Bran, cereals, cereals, pasta, bread

All grains contain plant fiber.

The largest amount of dietary fiber is found in wheat bran. Nutritionists recommend eating a few tablespoons of bran every day in cases where the diet for some reason is depleted in fiber. 100 g of this product contains about 40 g of dietary fiber. Flax seeds are rarely indicated in the list of foods rich in fiber, although 100 g of seeds contain about 30 g. Vegetable fibers are found in all cereals, therefore buckwheat, wheat, millet, cereals, etc. should be present in the diet. Bread must be consumed. Whole grain, rye, white bread, as well as all types of bran bread are very useful.

Legumes, nuts, seeds

Beans, lentils, soybeans, chickpeas, and peas are excellent sources of vegetable fiber. Nuts (walnuts, peanuts, almonds, cashews, pistachios, etc.) also contain a fairly large amount of dietary fiber, but you should also remember about their calorie content. Sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds can also act as a source of fiber almost on par with nuts.

Vegetables, herbs

Most people associate vegetables with fiber, and for good reason. Vegetables contain a large amount of not only fiber, but also water, which is needed for dietary fiber to swell and perform its functions. Therefore, vegetables should be the main source of fiber for the body. It should be noted that cooked vegetables contain more of it than fresh ones, that is, 100 g of stewed cabbage contains more vegetable fibers than the same amount of fresh. Unlike vitamins and microelements, which are lost during heat treatment of vegetables, fiber is retained in full. A person's diet should contain various vegetables: white cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, green beans, potatoes, onions, turnips, pumpkin, radishes, asparagus, etc. Even such watery vegetables as tomatoes and cucumbers contain dietary fiber. Greens are also useful (lettuce, celery stalk, parsley, dill, etc.), since in terms of fiber content, it is far from last.

Fruits and berries


Among fruits, the most fiber is found in avocado.

Fruits and berries also contain fiber, especially pectin. The record holder for fiber content is an exotic but widespread avocado in our country. Raspberries, blackberries and grapefruit are slightly inferior to him. There are enough plant fibers in apples, pears, bananas, oranges, strawberries, figs and other fruits. Dried fruits can also become a source of fiber, its content in them is several times higher than fresh fruits.

Every day, in addition to meat and dairy products, any person's diet should include cereals, bread, several types of vegetables and fruits. For people with diabetes, the main sources of fiber should be cereals, bran, black bread, vegetables and herbs. From fruits, it is allowed to consume oranges, grapefruits, sour apples, pears, kiwi, avocados, cherries, red currants and other fruits and berries with a low glycemic index in moderation. But dried fruits with diabetes mellitus should not be eaten.

Dietary supplements with fiber

Now in pharmacies and sports nutrition stores, all kinds of dietary supplements containing dietary fiber are actively offered. It is recommended to take them to athletes, people suffering from liver and gallbladder diseases, obesity, diabetes mellitus, alcoholism, etc. During pregnancy, in the postoperative period after surgical interventions on the gastrointestinal tract, it is impossible to use fiber in this form.

Such dietary supplements are produced most often in the form of powders or bran, less often tablets or granules can be seen in pharmacies. You need to use them following the instructions. Powder or bran must be diluted in water or washed down with a sufficient amount of liquid. Supplements are taken 20-30 minutes before meals, it is advisable to divide the daily dose of the drug into several parts.

TV show "Family Size", a plot on the topic "Fiber":


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