Dietary Fiber

Definition 1

Compounds in food which are not digested by the digestive processes in the human stomach or small intestine. (NCI Thesaurus/CRCH)

Definition 2

In food, fiber is the part of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains that cannot be digested. The fiber in food may help prevent cancer. In the body, fiber refers to tissue made of long threadlike cells, such as muscle fiber or nerve fiber. (NCI Dictionary)

More information

Fiber is a substance in plants. Dietary fiber is the kind you eat. It's a type of carbohydrate. You may also see it listed on a food label as soluble fiber or insoluble fiber. Both types have important health benefits.

Good sources of dietary fiber include

• Whole grains
• Nuts and seeds
• Fruit and vegetables

Dietary fiber adds bulk to your diet and makes you feel full faster, helping you control your weight. It helps digestion and helps prevent constipation. Most Americans don't eat enough dietary fiber. But add it to your diet slowly. Increasing dietary fiber too quickly can lead to gas, bloating, and cramps. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Also called: Bulk, Roughage

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