What Do You Know About Dietary Fiber?

You hear a lot about fiber and why you need it. But what is it? Fiber is a term applied to carbohydrates that cannot be digested. It is found in all plants eaten as part of a healthy diet. Learn more about this important part of your diet by taking this quiz, based on information from Harvard School of Public Health.

1. Nutritionists classify fiber in 2 main types. One type is soluble. How is soluble fiber defined?

A. It is broken down completely in milk B. It partially dissolves in water C. It doesn't dissolve in orange juice D. None of the above

2. The other type of fiber is insoluble fiber. What happens to insoluble fiber when you eat it?

A. The fiber is broken down in the stomach B. The fiber is broken down in the small intestine C. The fiber is broken down in the large intestine D. The fiber passes through the gastrointestinal tract intact

3. How much fiber should adults consume each day?

A. 15 to 20 grams B. 25 to 38 grams C. 35 to 50 grams D. 50 to 75 grams

4. Which of these breakfast foods is considered a 1-ounce serving?

A. Half-cup hot cereal B. 1 cup flaked cereal C. Quarter-cup nugget or bud cereal D. All of the above

5. Which of these methods is a good way to increase your daily fiber intake?

A. Eat whole fruits instead of drinking fruit juices B. Snack on raw vegetables instead of chips or crackers C. Go meatless several times a week by substituting legumes for meat in recipes D. All of the above

6. A diet high in fiber has been linked to a lower risk for heart disease.

A. True B. False

7. Fiber helps prevent constipation. Fiber from which source seems to be better for accomplishing this?

A. Fiber from fruits B. Fiber from vegetables C. Fiber from wheat and oat bran D. All of the above

Updated:

September 17, 2019

Sources:

Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Health Implications of Dietary Fiber. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 2015;115(11):1861-40.

Reviewed By:

Diane Horowitz MD,Daphne Pierce-Smith RN MSN CCRC,Daphne Pierce-Smith RN MSN CCRC

Dietary Fiber Quiz

By Sinovic, Dianna

September 17, 2019

What Do You Know About Dietary Fiber?