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Fiber and Fat
Natural Fibers
Natural fibers are classified as either Animal Fiber, Plant Fiber or Mineral Fiber
Dietary Fiber
Dietary Fiber or Roughage is the portion of plant-derived food that can not be
completely broken down by the Digestive Enzymes and consist of non-starch polysaccharides
It has 2 main components
Soluble Fiber
Soluble Fiber dissolves in water and is readily fermented, in the Colon, into gases and physiologically active by products, such as short chain fatty acids produced by the gut bacteria. It delays gastric emptying which can result in an extended feeling of fullness
Insoluble Fiber
Insoluble Fiber does not dissolve in water and is inert to digestive enzymes and provides bulking.
This type Fiber absorbs water as it moves through the digestive system easing defecation
Fat
In Humans and many animals, fats serve both as energy source and as stores for energy in excess of what the body needs immediately
Fats are also sources of Essential Fatty Acids, an important dietary requirement
Vitamin A, D, E and K are fat soluble, meaning they can only be digested, absorbed and transported in conjunction with fats
There are 2 Essential Fatty Acids in human nutrition
Alpha-linolenic Acid(an Omega-3 Acid)
Linoleic Acid(an Omega-6 Acid)
Other lipids needed by the body can be synthesized from these and other fats
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