Recent research has highlighted the health benefits of insoluble fiber and revealed that plant sources of this fiber contain unique bioactive compounds. These bioactive substances are associated with reduced risk of various diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes. While the importance of fiber to gut health is well known, this study highlights the need to recognize the broader health benefits provided by the bioactive compounds found in fiber-rich plants. Suggests. The findings also suggest the potential for using these fiber sources to fortify processed foods and increase their nutritional value.
Medical experts have long praised the benefits of insoluble fiber for gut health and overall health. New findings from the University of Minnesota provide further evidence highlighting the importance of incorporating fiber into your daily diet.
In a new study published in nutrientsScientists have discovered that different plant-based sources of insoluble fiber have different bioactive components. These compounds are associated with reduced risks such as: cardiovascular diseasecancer, type 2 diabetes, and more, suggesting that its health benefits go beyond just the benefits of fiber.
“People understand the need for fiber and how it relates to gut health. This area of health continues to grow as scientific research continues to uncover its impact on overall health and well-being. “This is becoming increasingly important,” said study co-author Joanne Slavin. Professor in the Department of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences at the University of Minnesota. “While fiber is an indicator of health and is included in our dietary guidelines and listed on product labels, our research shows that other valuable components of plant sources, including fiber, are bioactive substances. It also shows that there is a need to ensure that human health is recognized as offering valuable benefits for human health.”
Key discoveries regarding bioactive substances in fiber sources
This study aggregated the available literature on the health benefits of bioactive substances found in plant sources of insoluble dietary fiber.
they found:
- A variety of plant foods, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, contain insoluble fiber, and each source contains unique bioactive compounds that support health in different ways. contained.
- Desirable bioactive substances such as quercetin, resveratrol, catechins, anthocyanins, lutein, lycopene, and beta-carotene are found in a variety of plant foods that also contain insoluble dietary fiber.
- Plant sources containing bioactive substances and insoluble dietary fiber can be used to fortify processed foods to increase their nutritional value. Food manufacturing by-products such as peels, peels, pulp, and pomace are generally rich in fiber and bioactive substances, providing unique nutritional value from sustainable sources.
- Consumer research has found that low levels of this enrichment do not reduce consumer acceptance of the food.
Impact and future directions
“The suggestion to eat more fruits and vegetables is not a new idea, but it’s something that most people still struggle to implement,” said study co-author and senior director of the Department of Medicine, Science and Medicine. said Vice President Janwillem van Klinken. Brightseed’s regulatory affairs. “If we can provide widely available fiber-enriched products that are developed to enhance rather than negate bioactive ingredients, we can provide consumers with enhanced nutritional value.”
This latest research on the effects of bioactive substances on human health further highlights the need for industry, academia and government to work together to promote widespread awareness and education of bioactive substances in food and health systems. I’m doing it.
“The body of literature we reviewed and the results of this study could serve as a paradigm shift in how consumers, as well as the food and health industries, view insoluble dietary fiber and bioactive substances.” said co-lead author Madeline Timm. University of Minnesota graduate project research. “Continued research and widespread incorporation of bioactive substances into foods and supplements could have a real impact on human health.”
Further research is needed to identify extraction and processing methods that preserve and optimize bioactive compounds.
Reference: “Beyond Insoluble Dietary Fiber: Bioactive Compounds in Plant Foods” by Madeline Timm, Lisa C. Ofringa, B. Janwillem van Klinken, and Joanne Slavin, September 24, 2023 , nutrients.
DOI: 10.3390/nu15194138
