How Much Fiber Do You Need?
Fiber is an insoluble carbohydrate. This means that you will not be able to digest it and fiber will slow down the amount of sugar that is released from a fruit or vegetable.
Fiber is critical in the diet. Aside from slowing sugar intake, it helps with movement of the stool and there is evidence that it reduces the risk of colon cancer. Additionally, it is very important for overall gut health as the little microscopic bacteria that live in your gut actually need this to thrive.
There are two types of fiber. First, soluble fiber is fiber that breaks down and becomes jelly like substance found in fruits and vegetables as well as legumes. Insoluble does not get broken down like that jelly like substance but rather is used to add bulk to the stool and it absorbs water.
Fiber is found in fruits and vegetables and more often found in vegetables.
The average person gets about 11g of fiber and women should have about 20-25 grams of fiber and men should have 35-40 grams of fiber.