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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 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 blood sugar level lowers
the amount of insulin production, therefore lowering the amount of glucose
that will be stored as fat, reducing cravings, and increasing the feeling
of fullness.
Most programs that promote regulating the intake 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 total carbohydrate content per serving of
10 grams, that also contains total fiber of 4 grams, results in a net
carbohydrates total of 6 grams. When counting daily carbohydrate intake,
you will count 6 grams of total carbohydrates.
Various low carb lifestyle programs also allow you to subtract any sugar
alcohols as they are believed to not affect insulin levels.
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 dated "The
Role of Dietary Fiber in a Healthy Lifestyle".
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