Ashley’s answer: This is one of my most-asked questions. But before the advent of fiber supplements and their advertising campaigns, hardly anyone asked it! Why? Foods as they exist in nature aren’t made of just one form of fiber, and the positive health results of consuming a fiber-rich diet don’t come from prioritizing one “type of fiber” over another. Let’s start with some basic definitions: soluble fiber attracts water to form a gel, which creates bulk in digestive system, thus slowing digestion and making you feel full. Insoluble fiber isn’t digested, doesn’t attract water, grabs waste and speeds up digestion to more effectively remove waste from the body. I hate seeing articles say soluble fiber is good for heart health and cholesterol while insoluble fiber aids the body’s elimination. Hello? How healthy can your heart be if the body isn’t eliminating toxins properly! Soluble and insoluble fibers tend to be found together in many foods, like grains, fruits, legumes, and vegetables. While there are foods that are richer sources of one form of fiber, a balanced diet should deliver both forms roughly equally. Here’s a reason to consider hemp: it provides both forms of fiber, and that’s why it’s great for your heart, your digestion (and elimination), and your hormones. I love adding hemp seeds to soups, pastas, fruits, and salads—as well as making hemp pesto, which is rich in fiber, protein, and essential fats. It goes great with cucumbers, chips, baked potato skins, and so much more. Chewing over a food quandary? Send it to AskAshley@Prevention.com Ashley Koff is a registered dietitian, Qualitarian, nutrition expert, and
