Research Topic: dietary fiber

Effects of adding food ingredients rich in dietary fiber and polyphenols on the microstructure, texture, starch digestibility and functional properties of Chinese steamed bun

Researchers created an improved version of Chinese steamed bun by adding dragon fruit, kudzu root, and a medicinal mushroom called Hericium erinaceus. This new bun has much more fiber and antioxidants, and importantly, it causes much smaller increases in blood sugar after eating compared to traditional steamed buns. The study shows it can help promote beneficial gut bacteria and may be beneficial for people managing diabetes and metabolic health.

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The release patterns and potential prebiotic characteristics of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber-bound polyphenols from pinot noir grape pomace in vitro digestion and fermentation

This study examined how grape pomace dietary fiber and its bound polyphenols are broken down in the digestive system and colon. Researchers found that soluble fiber was particularly effective at releasing beneficial compounds that feed healthy gut bacteria and produce short-chain fatty acids important for health. The fiber types promoted beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium while reducing harmful bacteria, suggesting grape pomace could be a valuable ingredient in functional foods to support digestive and overall health.

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Nutrients and Nutraceuticals from Vitis vinifera L. Pomace: Biological Activities, Valorization, and Potential Applications

Wine production generates millions of tons of grape pomace (the leftover skins, seeds, and stems) annually, which has traditionally been discarded as waste. This review shows that grape pomace is actually rich in valuable nutrients and compounds like polyphenols and fiber that provide significant health benefits including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and disease-fighting properties. By using grape pomace in functional foods, supplements, and cosmetics, the wine industry can reduce waste while creating sustainable products that promote human health.

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Amorphophallus konjac: traditional uses, bioactive potential, and emerging health applications

Konjac is a plant used in Asian cuisine and traditional medicine for thousands of years that contains a special fiber called glucomannan. This fiber can help with weight loss, blood sugar control, and cholesterol reduction while also supporting a healthy gut and reducing inflammation. Modern research shows promising potential for using konjac to help prevent serious diseases like colorectal cancer and manage conditions like diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease.

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Fruit and Vegetable Processing Waste as Potential Raw Material for Food Enrichment With Dietary Fiber

This study examined the fiber content of leftover materials from processing fruits and vegetables, finding that pomace (processing waste) is an excellent source of dietary fiber. Chokeberries and blackcurrants were found to have particularly high fiber levels, while apples and carrots were rich in soluble fiber types. These waste products can be used to create nutritious fiber-enriched foods and supplements, providing both environmental benefits by reducing waste and health benefits through increased dietary fiber consumption.

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Anti-Hyperlipidemic and Anti-Atherogenic Effect of Citrus Peel Pectin Against Cholesterol and Cholic Acid Induced Hyperlipidemia in Sprague Dawley Rats

Researchers tested whether pectin extracted from citrus peels could help treat high cholesterol and fat levels in the blood using rats. When rats were given different amounts of citrus peel pectin mixed into their food, their cholesterol and triglyceride levels decreased significantly while their good cholesterol (HDL) increased. The treatment also protected their heart, liver, and kidney tissues from damage. This suggests citrus peel pectin, usually thrown away by juice companies, could become a useful and natural remedy for managing high cholesterol.

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Acceptability of Vegetable Fortified Ugali in Sub-Saharan Africa

Researchers tested adding freeze-dried vegetables to ugali, a staple corn porridge eaten by millions in Africa, to boost nutrition. Chinese onion stalk was the clear winner—it actually tasted better than plain ugali and provided extra vitamins and fiber. Carrot and bok choy also worked well, making nutrient-enriched ugali a practical solution for improving health in areas where nutritious side dishes are hard to find.

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Delivery of Phenolic Compounds, Peptides and β-Glucan to the Gastrointestinal Tract by Incorporating Dietary Fibre-Rich Mushrooms into Sorghum Biscuits

This study examined how adding mushroom powder to sorghum biscuits affects the availability of beneficial compounds in our digestive system. Using laboratory simulations of stomach and intestinal digestion, researchers found that mushroom-enriched biscuits released more phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties throughout the digestive tract. Importantly, the mushroom fiber helped carry beneficial β-glucan compounds to the colon, where they can be fermented by gut bacteria to produce health-promoting compounds.

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Effects of Chronic Barley Consumption on Upper Respiratory Tract Symptoms in Japanese Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Parallel-Group, Controlled Trial

This study found that eating cooked waxy barley daily for 8 weeks reduced sneezing and nasal congestion in healthy adults compared to those eating white rice. Participants who ate barley also reported feeling less tired and experienced improved mood. The barley contains a fiber called β-glucan that appears to boost the body’s natural immune cells, helping protect against cold symptoms.

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Effect of soluble dietary fiber from corn bran on pasting, retrogradation, and digestion characteristics of corn starch

Researchers found that adding a special fiber derived from corn bran to corn starch significantly improves its properties for food production. The fiber helps prevent the starch from hardening over time, reduces how quickly the body digests it (important for controlling blood sugar), and improves texture and water retention. This discovery could help create healthier starch-based foods and better products for people with swallowing difficulties.

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