Difference Between Fiber And Probiotics

Difference Between Fiber And Probiotics: Fiber and Probiotics are the two most important to create a powerhouse for a healthy diet. Fiber consists of an indigestible substance found in carbohydrates such as seeds, beans, fruits, vegetables, and nuts. They are a facilitator of the digestive process while on the other hand, Probiotics are used to create a healthy gut environment. They are live bacteria that promote gut health when they are consumed. Probiotics can be gained through buttermilk, yogurt, pickles, tempeh, kimchi, and so on. 

What is Fiber?

Fiber is also known as roughage and dietary fiber. It is a macronutrient that consists of nondigestible lignin and carbohydrates. Dietary fibers are different in chemical composition which are classified on the basis of viscosity, fermentability, and solubility. There are two main components of dietary fibers- soluble fiber and insoluble fiber. Some dietary fibers are nuts, seeds, vegetables, cereals, and so on. Viscous fibers such as beta-glucan and psyllium are used to thicken fecal mass. Bulking fibers such as hemicelluloses and cellulose absorb water and promote regularity on the other hand fermentable fibers such as insulin and starch feed the gut bacteria of the large intestine.

What are Probiotics?

Probiotics are found in yogurt, tempeh, pickles, buttermilk, miso, kimchi, and so on. It was discovered by Bulgarian physician and microbiologist Stamen. They are the live bacteria that promote the health of the host when it is eaten. They help the host in different ways which include creating vitamins, supporting cells, digesting food, and preventing bad bacteria from getting inside the body and making people sick. They also help to prevent gastrointestinal discomfort, avoid the common cold, and provide relief for constipation. It also helps in improving immune health.

Similarities Between Fiber and Probiotics

• Fiber and Probiotics both are very important to have a longer lifespan.
• They both are two important additions to a healthy diet for human beings.
• They both contain some rare, minor side effects.
• They both work together to create a powerhouse of human health benefits.
• Probiotics and soluble fiber together yield short-chain fatty acids.

Difference Between Fiber and Probiotics

characteristics	Fiber	Probiotics
Definition	Fiber is made up of non-digestible lignin and carbohydrates.	They are the live bacteria that promote the health of the host when it is eaten
Sources	Fiber is found in plant foods such as nuts, seeds, cereals, and vegetables.	Probiotics are found in pickles, yogurt, miso, buttermilk, and so on.
Benefits	Viscous fibers such as beta-glucan and psyllium are used to thicken fecal mass. Bulking fibers such as hemicelluloses and cellulose absorb water and promote regularity on the other hand fermentable fibers such as insulin and starch feed the gut bacteria of the large intestine.	They help the host in different ways which include creating vitamins, supporting cells, digesting food, and preventing bad bacteria from getting inside the body and making people sick. They also help to prevent gastrointestinal discomfort, avoid the common cold, and provide relief from constipation. It also helps in improving immune health.
Origin	They are originated from plant-derived foods.	They are live microorganisms.
Effects	There are some rare side effects such as reduced blood sugar levels, bloating, weight gain, and abdominal pains.	They too have some side effects such as constipation, bloating, and thirst.

Conclusion

Therefore, Fiber and Probiotics both are very important to have a longer lifespan. They are the two important additions to a healthy diet of human beings. They both contain some rare, minor side effects. Working together creates a powerhouse of human health benefits. Probiotics and soluble fiber together yield short-chain fatty acids. Thus, Fiber is the macronutrient and probiotics are the live microorganisms.

FAQs on Fiber and Probiotics

Q1: Define Dietary Fiber.

Answer:

Dietary fiber are also known as bulk or roughage which are the parts of plant foods which the body cannot digest. Though it is not digested by the body it can be passed through the stomach, colon and small intestine.

Q2: Name the types of Fiber.

Answer:

There are two types of Fiber:

• Soluble Fiber
• Insoluble Fiber

Q3: How are Probiotics beneficial?

Answer:

They are beneficial by helping the host in different ways which include the creating vitamins, supporting cells, digest food and preventing bad bacteria from getting inside the body and making people sick. 

Q4:State some side effects of fiber.

Answer:

There are some rare side effects in fiber such as reduce blood sugar levels, bloating, weight gain, flatulence, loose stools and abdominal pains.