what is the role of dietary fibre in our body?

Dietary fibre is the name of what called roughage, bulk, bran, fibre or unavailable carbohydrates.it includes endogenous components from plant portion that are undigested by the body and are resistant to enzymatic reactions in the stomach and in small intestine. Basically it consists of polysaccharides (cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, pectins, and gums).

Water soluble dietary fibre:

Pectins, gums and mucilages are included in water soluble dietary fibre. In small intestine they form a gel and slow down the passage of food. A longer time is required for leaving the stomach and intestines, provide satisfaction to hunger and reduce the glucose absorption in the body. It also delays cholesterol concentration in the plasma. Water soluble dietary fibre is of great importance for patients suffering from diabetes and hypertension.

Water insoluble dietary fibre:

 The fraction of water soluble dietary fibre consists of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignins. This fraction absorbs large amounts of water while passing through the digestive tract. This increases the fecal bulk, accelerate exit rat, slows down starch hydrolysis and delays glucose absorption in the blood. Therefore this fraction is also beneficial for diabetics.

The dietary fibre, therefore attain various favorable effects depending upon physical and chemical properties of every fibre source. It is considered a factor in the control of diverticulitis (inflammation of the curvatures of intestines), appendicitis, hemorrhoids, cancer of the colon and coronary heart diseases. It binds extra bile and remove I t from the body thus lowering the cholesterol level. In diabetes, dietary fibre helps to control of blood glucose level, reduce glucose absorption, reduce insulin requirements and lower the levels of urinary glucose.

High consumption of dietary fibre as sometimes suggested for diabetics, decreases nutrient bioavailability. Thus, consumption of too much fibre can have an adverse effect on the bioavailability of mineral elements especially if it is high in oxalic acid or phytic acid contents. Inorganic materials such as calcium and iron have become unavailable and are secreted as salts. It is recommended that an average intake of about 20gram per day would be sufficient.