Everyone knows that vegetable-rich diet fills us with carbohydrates that provide energy for our body. However, you should also know that some of carbohydrates’ are attributed to non-food. Some time ago it
was believed that fiber (such ingredients as cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin and others) is not necessary for our body at all. However, now it is clearly approved that it is not only necessary but is very useful for us.
Instead of natural products we consume more and more processed foods that are rich in sugars and fats that can be easily digested by our body. According to doctors, foods that can be digested easily harm for
our body because they disturb bowel’s functionality. In this stage, only products rich in fiber can help because they clean digestive tract. They can be found in fruits (especially dried ones), vegetables and grains, but it depends on their species, ripeness and the way how it is processed. Particularly rich in fiber are the leaves of cabbage and lettuce.
To feel fuller choose foods rich in cellulose and hemicellulose that absorb fluids and start swelling after some time. Cellulose also helps to intensify digestion system because it irritates the intestinal walls, causing their movements. The main sources of cellulose and hemicellulose are wheat bran, cereals (especially wheat), peas, beans, broccoli, peppers, apples, carrots and cabbage. For example, 100 grams of potatoes absorb 4 ml of water, 100 g of carrots and apples absorb 20 ml while 100 g of selenium can absorb up to 45 ml of water!
Pectin helps to remove the bowels, reduces the amount of bacteria in rotting intestines, absorbs toxic substances and encourages their elimination from the body. Pectin also removes from the body the first
signs of sclerosis – cholesterol and lipids. They can be found in mainly all kinds of currants, plums, cranberries, gooseberries that are not fully ripe, apples, acidic and citrus fruits.