Hi Sarah!
All fiber is fiber and is deducted from the total carb count (along with sugar alcohols, if any) to give net carbs.
Soluble fiber dissolves in water.
Insoluble fiber does not.
Soluble fiber attracts water and becomes like a gel that slows down digestion to provide a "full feeling".
It also helps block absorption cholesterol which will aid in lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood.
Plus being like a gel, has a lubricating effect in the digestive tract.
Sources of this fiber include strawberries, seeds, nuts, flaxseeds, beans, blueberries, cucumbers, and celery.
Since I eat so much protein (which digests slowly), I take Metamucil capsules each day that contain soluble fiber.
Insoluble fiber does not absorb water and travels through the digestive tract intact.
It speeds up digestion. It also helps "clean" the digestive tract and helps prevent constipation.
Sources of this type of fiber are in seed skins, nut skins, zucchini, celery, broccoli, cabbage, tomatoes, cucumbers,
green beans, dark leafy vegetables, and root vegetable skins.
