Recent research has highlighted the health benefits of insoluble fiber, revealing that plant sources of this fiber contain unique bioactive compounds. These bioactive substances have been linked to a reduced risk of various diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes. While the importance of fiber for gut health is well known, this study demonstrates the need to recognize the broader health benefits of bioactive compounds in fiber-rich plants. The findings also suggest opportunities to fortify processed foods with these fiber sources, potentially increasing their nutritional value.
Health experts have long praised the benefits of insoluble fiber for bowel regularity and overall health. New findings from the University of Minnesota provide further evidence highlighting the importance of incorporating fiber into our daily meals.
In a new study published in the journal Nutrients, scientists found that each type of plant-derived insoluble fiber has unique bioactive components. These compounds have been linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes, suggesting that their health advantages extend beyond those of fiber.
"People understand the need for fiber and its relationship to gut health -- and as scientific research continues to reveal fiber's impact on overall health and well-being," said co-author Joanne Slavin, a professor in the School of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences at the University of Minnesota. , this area of health is becoming increasingly important. Fiber is a marker of health and is already included in our dietary guidelines and appears on product labels, but our research shows that we need to ensure that other valuable components of fiber-containing plant sources - bioactive substances - are also considered beneficial to human health."
This study summarizes the existing literature on the health benefits of bioactive components in plant-based non-soluble dietary fibers. They found that a variety of plant foods, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains, contain insoluble dietary fiber, with each source containing unique bioactive compounds that promote health in different ways. Desirable bioactive substances such as quercetin, resveratrol, catechins, anthocyanins, lutein, lycopene and beta-carotene are found in various plant foods containing insoluble dietary fiber.
Plant sources containing bioactive substances and insoluble dietary fiber can be used to fortify processed foods to increase their nutritional value. Food production by-products such as peels, husks, pulps or pomace often contain high amounts of fiber and bioactive substances and therefore have a unique sustainable nutritional value.
Consumer studies have found that low-level use of this fortifier does not reduce consumer acceptance of food products.
"The recommendation to eat more fruits and vegetables is not a novel idea, but most people still struggle to do it," said study co-author Jan-Willem VanKlinken, Brightseed's senior vice president of medical, scientific and regulatory affairs. "If we can offer widely available fiber-fortified products that are developed to increase, rather than decrease, bioactive content, then we can provide consumers with greater nutritional value."
Recent research on the impact of bioactive ingredients on human health further illustrates the need for industry, academia and government to join forces to advocate for widespread awareness and education of bioactive ingredients in food and health systems.
First author Madeline Timm said: "The collection of literature we reviewed and the results of this study could change the way the food and health industry and consumers view insoluble dietary fiber and bioactives. Continued research and the widespread inclusion of bioactives in foods and supplements will have a real impact on human health."
The researchers believe further research is needed to identify extraction and processing methods that can preserve and optimize bioactive compounds.