Therapeutic aspects of dietary fibre and glycemic index: a brief review

Abstract

Simple sugars, complex polysaccharides, and dietary fibres are all examples of dietary carbohydrates. A healthy diet should consist of more complex and less added carbohydrates. Dietary fibre is a non-digestible carbohydrate that is not digested and absorbed by the body but is required for satiety and bowel motility. Dietary fibre contains cellulose, hemicellulose, pectins, gums, mucilages, and lignin, which are resistant to enzymatic digestion. Various components of dietary fibre include arabinoxylan, inulin, β-glucan, pectin, bran, and resistant starches. Dietary fibre is a carbohydrate that resists digestion and absorption in the large intestine and may or may not be fermented by bacteria. Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are produced in the gut by the breakdown of fibre by intestinal microorganisms and offer energy calories (2 kcal/g). Dietary guidelines recommend increasing the dietary fibre intake since a high fibre intake provides health benefits and prevents dietary and life-style diseases. The aim of the present review article is to understand and suggest better dietary carbohydrates containing high fibre with low glycemic index for the prevention of diabetes, obesity and lifestyle diseases. The different types of carbohydrates in the diet need further recommendation to elucidate its function in health and diseases.