Definition Of Dietary Fiber

Definition of dietary fiber.

Definition of dietary fiber. Dietary fiber is defined to be plant components that are not broken down by human digestive enzymes. Thus it is difficult to separate out the effect of fiber per se. But foods containing fiber can provide other health benefits as well such as helping to maintain a healthy weight and lowering your risk of diabetes heart disease and some types of cancer. Burkitt and trowell who conducted medical activities in africa from the 1940s onwards published the opinion that the reason why native africans had low rates of diseases such as diverticulosis diabetes gallstones arteriosclerosis and ischemic heart.

In the late 20th century only lignin and some polysaccharides were known to satisfy this definition but in the early 21st century resistant starch and oligosaccharides were included as dietary fiber components. Dietary fiber found mainly in fruits vegetables whole grains and legumes is probably best known for its ability to prevent or relieve constipation.