Quote:
|
I 've found in my search on the internet several places that stated that 2 tbsps (13 grams) of Flax Meal has 4 gm of carbs and 4 gms of fiber which equals 0 actual carbs!
|
Nooooooooooo! The only foods that have 0 carbs are muscle protein, water and fat. Everything else has carbs. The above statement means that there are 8 grams of carbs, 4 of which are fiber.
Quote:
|
Can you deduct both from the carb count?
|
Here's something on soluable and insoluble fiber from
The Low Carb Retreat
In the October, 1997 issue of Dr. Atkins newsletter, Dr. Thomas
Bolte wrote an article on fiber.
"SOLUBLE FIBER: This is a good ally against heart disease and
diabetes. Unlike its insoluble sibling, soluble fiber absorbs
water. It's also metabolized somewhat, broken down into
various byproducts. By binding to certain fats and bile
acids in the gut, soluble fiber helps reduce cholesterol
levels. It also slows the absorption of dietary sugars
(carbohydrates), which may also lower the body's insulin
needs. Some research also suggests that soluble fiber
may contribute to the prevention of gallstones.
"Some of the byproducts of soluble fiber's metabolism
nourish the digestive tract's friendly flora, preventing
the overgrowth of bad bacteria and, some lab research
suggests, inhibiting tumor growth, which may partly
explain the link to colon cancer.
"The downside of soluble fiber is twofold: Some of its
metabolic byproducts are gases that may cause a significant
degree of flatulence. Additionally, the absorption of water
is a double-edged sword: Although theoretically making the
stool bigger, softer, and easier to pass, it could have the
opposite effect. If you don't drink extra liquids, you could
get a case of constipation."
He then goes on to state that the best sources for those
following a low-carb diet are psyllium seed husks, flax
meal, oat bran, guar gum, and apple pectin. Other good
sources are oranges, rice bran, legumes, locust bean gum
and barley. (FYI, peanuts and soybeans are legumes.
About half of the carbs from each are from fiber).
"INSOLUBLE FIBER: Passing through the digestive tract
relatively unchanged, insoluble fiber absorbs all sorts
of potentially harmful toxins. This trait, along with a
speedier transit time, apparently decreases the risks of
colon and breast cancer. A high intake also reduces
problems associated with hemorroids and diverticular
diseases.
"While insoluble fiber produces little (if any) flatulence
and won't threaten to dehydrate your intestines, it does
not share the soluble form's ability to help stabilize
blood sugar, and its cholesterol-lowering effect is only
minimal. The biggest drawback, however, may be that it
blocks mineral absorption."
Karen