dietary fibre

dietary fibre

Indigestible plant-derived residues composed predominantly of cellulose, hemicellulose and cell wall polymers. Dietary fibre (e.g., bran lignin, pectin) provides stool bulk, increasing the transit time for nutrients in (surgically) shortened gastrointestinal tracts, and decreasing the transit time in long or constipated gastrointestinal tracts. Dietary fibre improves the plasma lipid ratios, resulting in a 10–17% decrease in cholesterol (including decreased LDL-cholesterol) as well as a reduced dietary intake of energy, fat and cholesterol-rich foods. Increased dietary intake of fibre is associated with decreased colon cancer and tumour regression in premalignant familial adenomatous polyposis and diverticulosis; low dietary fibre consumption has been linked to colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, increased cholesterol, gallbladder disease, constipation and appendicitis.

dietary fibre

A group of complex carbohydrates that includes plant cellulose, lignin, pectins and gums. These polysaccharides resist digestion and thus cannot be absorbed, but remain in the intestine until excreted, providing a useful sense of fullness or satiety. Fibre and is of value in the management of OBESITY. It bulks out the stool and is useful in the treatment of CONSTIPATION and DIVERTICULITIS. Dietary fibre reduces the risk of colorectal cancer possibly by removing carcinogens. Some soluble fibres bind bile cholesterol and prevent it from being reabsorbed. This can lower blood cholesterol. High fibre foods include vegetables and fruits, bran, beans, peas and nuts.

non-starch polysaccharides (NSP)

a form of carbohydrate, in foods such as wholegrain cereals, fruits and vegetables, which is not digested in the small intestine and so provides no source of calories; also known as dietary fibre . As well as providing 'bulk' and assisting weight maintenance or loss, fibre is important for the health of the colon (anti-cancer effect), reduces the risk of coronary heart disease (by combining with and preventing reabsorption of cholesterol from the gut) and assists blood sugar regulation in diabetes (by slowing the digestion of carbohydrates).