Difference between Soluble and Insoluble Fiber

Key Difference: Fiber is a necessary part of any diet. Fiber is actually divided into two main types: soluble fiber and insoluble fiber. The primary difference between the two types of fiber is actually indicated in their names itself; soluble fiber is the one that dissolves in water, whereas insoluble fiber does not.

It is a generally known fact that fiber is a necessary part of any diet. Humans need to consume an adequate amount of fiber in order to stay healthy; and too little or too much fiber can immediately lead to digestive problems. Fiber has many benefits, such as it helps one feel fuller, hence leading to eating less and consuming lesser calories. However, that is just the tip of the iceberg. Fiber also aids digestion, while also lowering cholesterol, keeping the blood sugar stable, keeping diabetes and obesity at bay, making it easier to lose weight, and even leading to a longer life. What’s not to love about fiber?

While fiber is important as part of the diet, it begs the question, which fiber? Fiber is actually divided into two main types: soluble fiber and insoluble fiber. Both play an important role in digestion and both should be regularly consumed. However, what is the actual difference between them.

The primary difference between the two types of fiber is actually indicated in their names itself; soluble fiber is the one that dissolves in water, whereas insoluble fiber does not. However, this is just one of the many differences between the two. Both also play different types of roles in the digestive process.

As both types of fiber are undigested, i.e. they are not absorbed during the digestion process, they do not enter the bloodstream. Hence, they add zero calories to the calorie intake, while still making the person feel full. They also have numerous added benefits, such as they can also help lower cholesterol, keep blood sugar stable, make it easier to lose weight, and even help one stay alive longer.

Soluble fiber dissolves into water and turns into a gel like substance within the digestive track. It mixes with the food and slows down the digestive process, hence making one stay full for longer. This also slows down the absorption of glucose into the body, hence keeping the blood sugar levels from spiking. Soluble fiber also lowers total and LDL cholesterol, which may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Insoluble fiber, on the other hand, not does dissolve in water, and neither does is get absorbed within the body. It literally just passes through the digestive track. However, in doing so, it add bulk to the stool hence making defecation easier. It also helps alleviate constipation.

Soluble fiber is primary found in legumes, oat bran, barley, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, peas, and some fruits and vegetables. Whereas, insoluble fiber is found in foods such as wheat bran, vegetables, and whole grains.

Comparison between Soluble and Insoluble Fiber:

	Soluble Fiber	Insoluble Fiber
Description	Is a type of fiber that dissolves in water. It is probiotic and helps better absorption of nutrients.	Is a type of fiber that does not dissolve in water. It helps in easing defecation.
Key Characteristic	Dissolves in Water	Does not dissolve in water
Effect	Attracts water and forms a viscous gel during digestion	Moves unaffected through the digestive track
Fermentation	Is readily fermented.	Can be prebiotic and metabolically ferment in the large intestine
Benefits	Increases food volume without increasing calorie count Full Feeling Reduced Appetite Balances intestinal pH Stimulates intestinal fermentation production of short-chain fatty acids May reduce risk of colorectal cancer Slows the emptying of the stomach and intestinal transit Shields carbohydrates from enzymes, slows break down Delays absorption of glucose Lowers variance in blood sugar levels Lowers total and LDL cholesterol May reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease	Increases food volume without increasing calorie count Full Feeling Reduced Appetite Balances intestinal pH Stimulates intestinal fermentation production of short-chain fatty acids May reduce risk of colorectal cancer Regulates blood sugar May reduce glucose and insulin levels in diabetic patients May lower risk of diabetes Speeds the passage of foods through the digestive system Facilitates regular defecation Alleviates constipation
Available in Foods	legumes (peas, soybeans, lupins and other beans) oats, rye, chia, and barley some fruits (including figs, avocados, plums, prunes, berries, ripe bananas, and the skin of apples, quinces and pears) certain vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and Jerusalem artichokes root tubers and root vegetables such as sweet potatoes and onions (skins of these are sources of insoluble fiber also) psyllium seed husks (a mucilage soluble fiber) and flax seeds nuts, with almonds being the highest in dietary fiber	whole grain foods wheat and corn bran legumes such as beans and peas nuts and seeds potato skins lignans vegetables such as green beans, cauliflower, zucchini (courgette), celery, and nopal some fruits including avocado, and unripe bananas the skins of some fruits, including kiwifruit, grapes and tomatoes

Reference: Wikipedia, WebMD, MedlinePlus, HealthCastle
Image Courtesy: nutrientsreview.com

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Difference between Soluble and Insoluble Fiber

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