The average adult male should eat at least 30 daily grams of fiber, while women should get 20 g per day, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. Fiber is present in a wide variety of foods, but some people don't eat enough dietary fiber and use supplements to reach the recommended amount. Benefiber is a natural soluble fiber supplement that can be taken with various foods and drinks.
Fiber Types
Fiber comes in two types, soluble and insoluble, both of which aid digestion and have other health-related benefits. The primary difference between these two fibers is the way in which they interact with water. Soluble fiber dissolves when exposed to water and becomes a gel, while insoluble fiber retains its original form, even when wet.
Benefiber Definition
Benefiber is a soluble fiber, meaning that it takes on a gel-like form when it mixes with water in your digestive system. This supplement is completely natural because it's made primarily from wheat dextrin. Benefiber powder has no taste, so it can be mixed into soft foods and beverages to add soluble fiber to your diet. The supplement is also available in flavored chewable forms.
Benefits
Soluble fiber prevents constipation and also helps with diarrhea because of its water absorbing properties. This fiber helps solidify watery stool and makes it more bulky, according to the Mayo Clinic. Soluble fiber also lowers LDL cholesterol, also known as bad cholesterol, in your blood and slows down your body's absorption of sugar, which is especially beneficial for people with diabetes. Benefiber provides all of these benefits because it's a form of soluble fiber and works in the same way as fiber from dietary sources.
Alternatives
You can get enough soluble fiber from your food, rather than using a supplement like Benefiber, if you focus on certain high-fiber items. Oats and beans are rich in soluble fiber, for example. Other good sources include carrots, peas, barley, apples, oranges and other citrus fruits. You also need insoluble fiber, which is found abundantly in wheat bran and flour, vegetables and nuts.
Considerations
Many dietary sources of soluble fiber have a short shelf life, especially fruits and vegetables. Benefiber has a two-year shelf life, according to independent drug information site Drugs.com, so you can easily keep it on hand as a convenient soluble fiber source when you don't have fresh foods available. Some versions of Benefiber powder contain other supplements, like calcium and vitamins, for additional health benefits. Consult a physician to see if Benefiber is right for you. As with any supplement, your results may vary.
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