Fiber‐enriched botanicals: A therapeutic tool against certain metabolic ailments

Abstract

Plant‐based foods are natural sources including vegetables, fruits, cereals and legumes. These foods consist of various types of nutrients in which carbohydrate is the basic component. However, some plant‐based diets contain carbohydrates in the form of fiber. The fiber is usually a nondigestible polysaccharide that is not digested in the human body. It is present in the form of soluble or insoluble in different part of foods like peel, bran, pulp and grain. Pectin, beta‐glucan, mucilage, psyllium, resistant starch and inulin are soluble fiber, and cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin are insoluble fiber attained from plant foods. The major function enhances immunity by creating gastrointestinal barrier, mucus production, immune cell activity and IgA level. Previous evidences showed that peoples with strong immunity have fewer chances of viral disease. A recent viral disease named COVID‐19 spread in the world and millions of peoples died due to this viral disease. Coronavirus mostly attacks humans that suffer with weak immune system. It is due chronic diseases like diabetes and CVD (cardiovascular disease). The current review shows that fiber‐containing plant‐based foods boost immunity and aid human against COVID‐19. The therapeutic role of fiber in the human body is to control the risk of hypertension and diabetes because a high‐fiber diet has the ability to lower cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar. Fibers aid in GIT (gastrointestinal tract) and prevent constipation because it absorbs water and adds bulk to stool.

A Study of Physical, Chemical, and Sensory Characteristics of Novel Legume Dips

“…Soluble fiber can aid in weight management and cholesterol reduction, which is most advantageous for those who have diabetes and heart disease, while insoluble fiber assists with digestion [ 44 ]. It accelerates the transit of food through the stomach and intestines, increases bowel motility, promotes the growth of intestinal bacteria, improves gastrointestinal health, and lowers the risk of colorectal cancer by speeding up the elimination of waste from the digestive tract [ 45 ]. Noticeable differences ( p < 0.05) in the crude fiber content of the five legume dips, the highest was in the white bean dip at 6.54%.…”

Effects of Consuming Heat-Treated Dodamssal Brown Rice Containing Resistant Starch on Glucose Metabolism in Humans

“…In other words, even with similar compliance reports from participants, unreported alterations in dietary patterns cannot be disregarded. Nevertheless, according to the results of a rat study, the use of RS can improve intestinal health and, subsequently, reduce the incidence of post-weaning diarrhea and associated mortality [ 39 ]. Therefore, further large-scale clinical studies with larger sample sizes are required.…”

Citrus Waste as Source of Bioactive Compounds: Extraction and Utilization in Health and Food Industry

“…Citrus fruits contain both soluble and insoluble fiber that may be separated. Soluble dietary fiber is largely made up of mucus, gum, and pectin; in contrast, hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin make up the bulk of insoluble dietary fiber [ 53 ]. Approximately 50–60% of its dry weight can be attributed to cellulose and hemicellulose, which make it a prime source for both substances.…”