DIETARY FIBER IMPORTANCE IN FOOD AND IMPACT ON HEALTH

Dietary fibre is a non-digestable part of plant material in the diet which is resistant to enzymatic digestion in humans which includes cellulose, non-cellulosic polysaccharides such as hemicellulose, pectic substances, gums, mucilages and a non-carbohydrate component lignin. The diet rich in fibre such as cereals, nuts, fruits and vegetables have a positive effect on health since their consumption has been related to decreased incidence of several diseases. Higher intakes of dietary fiber are linked to less cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, intestinal cancer, constipation, and other disorders that have serious adverse effects on the health of human beings and also higher intakes of fiber are linked to lower body weights. So improvement of diet with high fiber will help in maintaining good health when consumed in the required amount.