Dietary fiber, a very elegant term. But what exactly is dietary fiber? Is our daily dietary fiber intake sufficient? Regarding this common knowledge, I believe you have some understanding, but not all of it. Today, let's introduce what dietary fiber is and what benefits it has for the human body.
What is dietary fiber?
Dietary fiber refers to substances that are polymers of carbohydrates, naturally existing, obtained, or synthesized in plants, cannot be digested and absorbed by the small intestine, and have health significance for the human body. It includes cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, inulin, and other monomeric components of dietary fiber. Dietary fiber is mainly polysaccharides that cannot be utilized by the human body and are not digested by digestive enzymes in the human gastrointestinal tract, so it does not provide calories.
Dietary fiber refers to substances that are polymers of carbohydrates, naturally existing, obtained, or synthesized in plants, cannot be digested and absorbed by the small intestine, and have health significance for the human body. It includes cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, inulin, and other monomeric components of dietary fiber. Dietary fiber is mainly polysaccharides that cannot be utilized by the human body and are not digested by digestive enzymes in the human gastrointestinal tract, so it does not provide calories.
What are the benefits of dietary fiber for the human body?
Slows down the absorption of blood sugar: Foods high in fiber content can delay gastric emptying, reduce the absorption rate, and lower postprandial blood sugar.
Increases satiety: Fiber is not absorbed and does not produce calories. Increasing the fiber content in food can reduce the intake of other meats or carbohydrates, which is beneficial for weight loss.
Produces nutrients: Soluble fiber interacts with bacteria in the intestine, providing the human body with short-chain fatty acids.
Reduces the absorption of cholesterol: Dietary fiber can bind to cholesterol and bile acids, reducing the absorption of cholesterol from food, which is beneficial for preventing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. It also promotes the secretion and circulation of bile, thus preventing the formation of gallstones to a certain extent.
Treats constipation: The modern diet is too refined. If you don't eat high-fiber foods like vegetables, there is almost no residue after food digestion. This situation can lead to an inability to form a sufficient volume of stool in the colon, making it difficult to have a bowel movement daily and easily causing constipation.
The above is the related content about dietary fiber. You can read this content, and I believe it will be enlightening to you. Of course, dietary fiber is not essentially unfamiliar to us; we all consume more or less of it in our daily diet.