What makes fiber an important element in my daily diet or weight loss plan?

One of the most interesting facts about fiber is that it's actually a carbohydrate! The special thing about this type of carbohydrate is that is it non-caloric and unable to be digested by the human body, so when counting carbs these ones don't count. If you're eating a meal or snack (for example: Natur's Diet Almond Biscotti) you'll find there are 19 grams of Carbohydrates listed on the nutrition panel and 8 grams of fiber. Of that 19 grams of Carbohydrates EIGHT GRAMS are un-digestible and will not be absorbed or turned to sugar and fat by your body. The amount of digestible carbohydrates is called NET carbs. So in this example a Natur's Diet Almond Biscotti has only 11 NET carbs!

Another reason soluble fiber is so important when dieting is that because it cannot be digested it grabs onto fats, cholesterol and sugars and binds to them. As the fiber travels through your digestive system it will not only help to extract bits of the cholesterol and fats before they can be absorbed, but will also control the sugars from being absorbed too quickly, helping to prevent insulin spikes.

Why is fiber so important for an athlete?

Science is proving the need for fiber and all its naturally inherited benefits. High-fiber supplements can slow the digestion and absorption of sugars and carbohydrates, while reducing insulin spikes and allowing glucose to be metabolized more effectively. High fiber in your diet also reduces bad cholesterol and triglycerides, as it has a positive impact on the body's mechanisms for regulating cholesterol production. Men and women who suffer with certain digestive issues will also find using a balanced blend of soluble and insoluble fiber greatly improves digestion. For anyone — and especially athletes — digestion is vital to absorbing all of the nutrients needed to obtain your best condition.

Healthy Aging

Establishing lifestyle behaviors early in life, including a proper diet with adequate amounts of fiber and protein can help to maintain a high quality of life throughout the aging process and can support more enjoyable active years of life. In the aging process, environmental factors, lifestyle and disease can impact the quality of your life. Evidence supports that diets high in fiber and protein can provide health benefits related to heart disease, weight management, intestinal health, type 2 diabetes, and muscle health. Research also supports that adequate amounts of protein, including soy protein, and fiber can help adults live a longer, healthier life as they continue to age. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal reported people with a high fiber diet were more likely to live longer.

BFDX™ contains 8 multiple fibers and plant protein for optimal health all in one supplement. A serving of BFDX™ added to water, juice, milk or a favorite beverage will provide 7 g of protein, and 11 g of fiber (approximately 44% of daily dietary requirements).

Carbohydrates, Diabetes and Fiber

For someone with Type 1 or 2 Diabetes, carbohydrates are probably one of the most important nutrients to count. Fats and Proteins are also important to count but carbohydrates tend to work quickly and are among the first nutrients to be broken down into sugar during your digestion process. In other words, carbohydrates have the most immediate and drastic effect on your blood sugar levels.

There are two types of carbohydrates: simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates are sugars – like glucose, sucrose, fructose and lactose. Complex carbohydrates are starches, typically found in foods like vegetables, whole grains and legumes. Complex carbohydrates break down much slower in the body than simple carbohydrates.

Something often overlooked when counting carbs is that Fiber is actually a non-caloric, indigestible carbohydrate. Because it cannot be digested, it grabs onto fats and cholesterol as it moves through your digestive system, thus slowing the absorption of sugars and carbohydrates, helping to reduce insulin spikes and allowing glucose to be metabolized more efficiently.