DR. B. V. Manjunath

Fibre is desired from plant cell components and resistant to digestive secretions of gastrointestinal tract. It is also called as “unavailable carbohydrate” and consists of complex polysaccharides such as guar, pectin, cellulose, hemicellulose, gums, lignin and mucilage.

Water soluble fibre – pectin, gums, mucilage
Water insoluble fibre – Cellulose, hemi cellulose, lignin

Water insoluble fibre is useful because it decreases, intestinal transit time and increases fecal bulk.

Water soluble fibre present in fruits, oats, barley and legumes are effective in controlling the blood glucose and serum lipids. It ferments in the colon to gases and contributes little to fecal bulk.

About 40g or 25g / 1000 Kcal. of dietary fibre per day is desirable.

About 10-20gm of Methi (Fenugreek) seeds taken 5-10minutes in early morning before breakfast in diabetics helps to reduce blood glucose levels and improve glucose tolerance..Some patients may develop diarrhea or flatulence when started initially due to high fibre content.

All About Fibre in Diet

1. What is fibre?

2. What are types of fibre?

3. Which fibre is useful in constipation?

4. How water soluble fibre is useful?

5. How much fibre should we eat daily?

6. useful is methi (Fenugreek) seeds in diabetics?