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Although dietary fiber is a carbohydrate, it cannot be fully digested and does not convert into glucose; therefore, it does not raise the blood sugar level when consumed. Dietary fiber slows the entry of glucose into the blood stream, reducing spikes in blood sugar levels. This reduction in the blood sugar level lowers the amount of insulin production, lowering the amount of glucose that will be stored as fat, reducing cravings, and increasing the feeling of fullness.
Most diet programs that promote the reduction of carbohydrates as a weight management tool, allow you to subtract the dietary fiber away from the total carbohydrates stated on the labels of food products. For instance, a food product with a total carbohydrate content of ten grams per serving that also contains four grams of fiber, results in a net total of 6 grams of carbohydrates; therefore, when counting the daily carbohydrate intake for that particular food, you will count six grams of total carbohydrates.
For some followers of a low-carb lifestyle, a reduction of carbohydrates causes constipation and gastrointestinal problems. Increasing the intake of fiber will help to alleviate these side effects. For more information on dietary fiber, refer to the article, "The Role of Dietary Fiber in a Healthy Lifestyle." |
