Dietary fiber

Dietary fiber , dietary fibre , or sometimes roughage is the indigestible portion of plant foods having two main components: soluble ( prebiotic , viscous) fiber that is readily fermented in the colon into gases and physiologically active byproducts, and insoluble fiber that is metabolically inert, absorbing water as it moves through the digestive system , easing defecation . It acts by changing the nature of the contents of the gastrointestinal tract and by changing how other nutrients and chemicals are absorbed. Soluble fiber absorbs water to become a gelatinous, viscous substance and is fermented by bacteria in the digestive tract. Insoluble fiber has bulking action and is not fermented. Chemically, dietary fiber consists of non- starch polysaccharides such as arabinoxylans , cellulose , and many other plant components such as resistant dextrins , inulin , lignin , waxes , chitins , pectins , beta- glucans , and oligosaccharides . A novel position has been adopted by the US Department of Agriculture to include functional fibers as isolated fiber sources that may be included in the diet. The term fiber is something of a misnomer , since many types of so-called dietary fiber are not actually fibrous. Food sources of dietary fiber are often divided according to whether they provide (predominantly) soluble or insoluble fiber. Plant foods contain both types of fiber in varying degrees, according to the plant s characteristics. Advantages of consuming fiber are the production of healthful compounds during the fermentation of soluble fiber, and insoluble fiber s ability (via its passive hygroscopic properties) to increase bulk, soften stool, and shorten transit time through the intestinal tract . Disadvantages of a diet high in fiber is the potential for significant intestinal gas production and bloating. Constipation can occur if insufficient fluid is consumed with a high-fiber diet.

Definition by Wikipedia See more »

60 Premium Questions

83 Online Doctor Chat

178 Public Forum Questions