Dietary fibres can be categorized as either soluble fibres or insoluble fibres.
Soluble Fibres
Soluble fibres are viscous and form gels. They are also easily digested by bacteria in your stomach. They include: Mucilages-which are utilized as food additives to enhance the texture of various foods, in addition to their health benefits and pharmacological uses. Pectin is also a soluble fibre contained in fruits, and is also utilized as an additive in food products by acting as a thickening agent. Certain hemi-cellulose are soluble fibres. They are derived from plant cell walls though unlike cellulose they contain branched polymers. Gums ie. gum arabica , are complex carbohydrates that are also soluble fibres, which are extensively applied in the food industry.
Insoluble fibres
Insoluble fibres however do not form gels and don’t dissolve in water. Are important for bowel movements. They are contained in grains and certain vegetables. Examples include; Cellulose-contained in plant cells and have unbranched chains. They constitute glucose molecule that form long chains. They are not digested by human enzymes. Certain hemicellulose with unbranched chains are insoluble fibres which cannot be digested . They are also derived from plant ell walls. Resistant starch is a carbohydrate that is not digested, and also an insoluble fibre .It is contained in foods such as barley, oats, Lignin is a non-polysccharide found in the woody parts of fruits and vegetables. It has beneficial effects on the intestines.
The aid in weight management
Reduce the likelihood of colon disease
Reduce the levels of cholesterol.
Lowers the risk of diverticulitis.