Food guide pyramid
Food guide pyramid

Soluble vs. insoluble fiber

Alternative Names:
Insoluble vs. soluble fiber

Information:

Question:
Is the fiber in peas, beans, or apples the same as the fiber in whole wheat bread?

Answer:
No. Peas, beans, and apples contain soluble fiber, which slows digestion and helps the body absorb nutrients from food. The bran found in whole wheat bread is an insoluble fiber, which helps foods pass through the stomach and intestines and adds bulk to the stool. Both types of fiber are valuable in preventing disease. See fiber.

Review Date: 1/6/2003
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. editorial. Previous review: Monica Zangwill, M.D., M.P.H., Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (2/1/2001).
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.