Introductory Chapter: The Basics of Dietary Fibers

Health Benefits of Dietary Fiber for the Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

“…These soluble polysaccharides may slow gastric emptying and influence small intestine transit time due to their gelling properties. Due to its particular capacity to form spreadable gels, pectins are used in various jellies and jams in the food business [ 26 , 27 , 29 ]. Citrus peels and apple pomace are commercial sources of pectin [ 30 ].…”

“…As the most well-known type of dietary fiber, cellulose is well-researched and has several health benefits, including reducing constipation and managing weight loss. Due to its availability in plant sources, cellulose is the most prevalent dietary fiber in the mammalian diet and thus the most-investigated type of dietary fiber [ 29 ].…”

“…Hemicellulose often occupies the spaces between cellulose fibrils and, in some instances, combines with pectin to form the plant cell wall matrix. Cereals are a good source of hemicelluloses [ 29 , 30 , 31 ].…”

“…When lignin is attached to polysaccharides, glycosidic bonds, ether bonds, and ester bonds establish a covalent binding between the monolignols of lignin and the monosaccharide residues of the polysaccharide [ 32 ]. Lignin is an insoluble dietary fiber that aids in the prevention of bile stone development and cholesterol reduction [ 29 ]. Coconut shells, oat husks, rice husks, almond shells, and hazelnut shells are all lignin-containing foods [ 32 ].…”