Fibre is a type of carbohydrate, but unlike other carbs, humans are unable to absorb or digest fibre.
There are two main types of fibre: soluble and insoluble.
Soluble Fibre dissolves in water and forms a thick gel-like substance which slows digestion, enhances fullness, and helps manage cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Apples, oranges, chia seeds, and legumes (beans and lentils) are examples of foods that contain soluble fibre.
Insoluble Fibre does not dissolve in water, but helps food move through the digestive tract and adds bulk to stool for healthier bowel movements. It increases fullness, reduces the risk of colon cancer and heart disease, and manages constipation.
Examples of foods that have insoluble fibre are carrots, broccoli, blackberries, nuts, and healthy whole grains.
Many plant foods such as oats and apples, actually have both soluble and insoluble fibre!
Fibre is only found in plant foods. So, if you are trying to increase your fibre intake, a good place to start is to eat more fruits and veggies!