Fibre

Question 1

What is dietary fibre?

Answer 1

Fibres are carbohydrates that come mainly from the cell walls of plants and cannot be entirely broken down by the digestive system

Question 2

What are the types of dietary fibre?

Answer 2

Insoluble and soluble fibre

Question 3

What does soluble fibre do in terms of satiation?

Answer 3

Soluble fibre increases the feeling of fullness because it delays the emptying of the stomach. This helps with weight control

Question 4

What does soluble fibre help to control?

Answer 4

Soluble fibre helps to control the levels f blood glucose in diabetics as it slows down the entry of glucose into the bloodstream

Question 5

What does soluble fibre do in terms of cholesterol?

Answer 5

Soluble fibre plays a role in lowering blood cholesterol levels by absorbing some LDL cholesterol in the gut, preventing it from being absorbed and decreasing the risk of coronary heart disease

Question 6

What is the role of insoluble fibre in the body?

Answer 6

Insoluble fibre promotes peristaltic movement and helps to prevent constipation, hemorrhoids, colon cancer, diverticulitis and other intestinal diseases

Question 7

What does insoluble fibre mop up?

Answer 7

Insoluble fibre mops up toxic substances from the bowels which may be harmful if left

Question 8

What is peristalsis?

Answer 8

Peristalsis is the rhythmic alternating contraction and relaxation of the smooth muscle that forces food through the intestines

Question 9

List some sources of soluble fibre

Answer 9

• oats
• barley
• peas
• beans
• apples

Question 10

List some sources of insoluble fibres

Answer 10

• bran
• legumes
• brown rice
• brown bread
• whole wheat cereal

Question 11

What happens if there is too much fibre in a diet?

Answer 11

Too much fibre may lead to bowel discomfort

Question 12

What happens if one eats too much bran?

Answer 12

Eating too much bran may decrease the absorption of calcium, magnesium, phosphorous and iron as bran binds these minerals