Wellness Foods + Supplements 1/2022

Dietary fibres and overall wellbeing
The importance of dietary fibre
Scientific research has repeatedly shown
that our overall health depends to a large
extent on the health of the gut, which is home
to about 100 trillion bacteria from 1,000
different species. This “microbiome” has
many functions, including supporting digestion,
nutrient absorption and the immune
system. Studies in recent years have also
confirmed that the gut is in direct contact
with the emotional centre of the brain. By
changing the gut microbiome, it has been
proven that neurobiochemistry, behaviour
and even personality can be significantly
altered. 2
The microbiome is directly affected by what
we eat: a high-sugar, low-fibre diet feeds
harmful bacteria, while a diet high in fibre
and low in sugar has the opposite effect: It
supports beneficial gut bacteria diversity to
help regulate blood sugar, fight inflammation
and produce the substances required for a
healthy brain.
After consuming dietary fibre, blood glucose
levels rise only moderately and remain
constant for a lengthy period of time, during
which the body needs less insulin. As a
result, there is an increased feeling of satiety,
with hunger pangs kept at bay for longer.
Fibre can therefore play an effective role in
weight management. In addition, fibre intake
promotes the production of digestive juices,
which have a stimulating effect on general
intestinal movements. This means that the
transit time of food in the digestive system
is shortened, which can, in turn, reduce the
risk of bloating and haemorrhoids.
Recent studies show that dietary fibre can
also help to prevent colon and prostate
cancer because carcinogenic substances
are diluted and harmful substances excreted
more quickly. 3 One reason for this is that the
body cannot break down the plant components
of dietary fibre enzymatically, so they
enter the colon undigested. Here, they serve
as food for gut bacteria such as lactobacilli
and bifidobacteria. These beneficial bacteria
multiply, increase stool volume and thus
help prevent constipation.
A healthy intestinal microbiome is an essential prerequisite for a
fully functioning immune system too. For instance, it helps to regulate
inflammatory cascades in the body and forms a physical barrier
against potential invaders such as pathogenic bacteria, viruses and
parasites.
Furthermore, in a healthy body, the fermentation of dietary fibre
produces the short-chain fatty acids acetate, propionate and butyrate.
These are partially absorbed and transported to the liver, where they
inhibit the formation of cholesterol. The short-chain fatty acids also
supply the cell membranes with energy and improve the absorption
of minerals.
Supporting health and wellbeing
Taiyo, an expert in natural ingredients with added health value, has
been pioneering fibre research for more than 20 years. The company
develops and produces a wide variety of functional ingredients,
including the 100 per cent natural dietary fibre Sunfiber ® . Designed to
close the dietary fibre gap, this ingredient combines nutritional benefits
with health-promoting properties. Sunfiber ® is a soluble prebiotic
fibre that has been shown in numerous studies to help improve the
activity and proliferation of beneficial probiotics in the gastrointestinal
tract, which are essential for overall health and wellbeing. In addition,
its fermentation rate is very slow, which means it does not trigger
painful bloating, cramping or discomfort.
Sunfiber ® not only contributes to healthy digestion, but also offers a
range of clinically proven health benefits for the entire body. When
consumed with a meal, it improves the absorption of minerals such
as calcium and magnesium. 4 It also slows and reduces the absorption
of fat, cholesterol and sugar. 5 Additionally, it has been shown in
clinical studies to lower the glycaemic index, thus helping to stabilise
blood sugar levels. For this reason, Sunfiber ® has been awarded a
health claim by Canadian health authorities for reducing blood sugar
levels by 20 per cent after a meal. 6
Photo © : Shutterstock/Paisit Teeraphatsakool
No. 1 April/May 2022
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