An Important Source of Fibre Dietary Fibre Dietary fibre is that part of a plant that cannot be broken down by the human digestive system. Although fibre is not readily digested by the body, it does play an important role. Fibre is required by the human body to allow the intestines to function properly and to prevent constipation. Research also suggests that fibre may play a part in treating heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Soluble Fibre Found in pulses, oats and some fruits and vegetables, is the type of fibre that research suggests plays a role in lowering blood cholesterol levels and modifying the rate at which sugar is absorbed by the body.
Soluble fibre is fermented in the colon by intestinal microflora.
This fermentation results in increased bacterial growth and by-products called short chain fatty acids, which are absorbed by the body. Researchers are now trying to find out if it is these short chain fatty acids that bring about these effects. Insoluble Fibre Found in pulses, wheat bran, whole grains and some vegetables, does not dissolve in water but does possess considerable water retaining capacity. This capacity increases bulk and promotes bowel regularity. There is research that suggests that a diet high in insoluble fibre may help prevent or treat some diseases of the colon.