F3 - SEM1 - DIETARY FIBRE

Question 1

What are the properties of dietary fibre?

Answer 1

Organic
Mainly are cellulose (plant cell wall)
No energy
Cannot be digested ( human do not have enzymes for digestion of cellulose when other animals have)

Question 2

What are the functions of dietary fibre?

Answer 2

Add bulk to food - stimulate the peristalsis of the alimentary canal
Hold water - enable faeces to remain soft

Question 3

What happens when lack of dietary fibre (deficiency)?

Answer 3

Constipation - hard to pass faeces out of the body
Colorectal cancer

Question 4

What are the sources of dietary fibre?

Answer 4

From animal - no

From plants
- plant foods (not all plant)
- e.g. green vegetables, fruits, cereal