Dietary Fibre - Health Benefits

Abstract

Many studies have found that people on diets high in fibre have reduced risks of certain diseases such as cancers, coronary heart disease, obesity and possibly diabetes. Fibre is a collective term for a group of compounds, which differ in their chemical structure and physical properties and elicit a variety of physiological effects. Some health benefits linked to fibre consumption are well established (e.g. promoting a regular bowel habit) and others are becoming more firmly established.