As we all know, dietary fibre plays an important role in the digestion and excretion process. Insufficient intake of dietary fibre not only lead to insufficient stool volume but may affect overall health.
For general population, the current guidelines recommend a total fiber (both soluble and insoluble) intake of 20–35 g/day. Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water and adds bulk to the stool, preventing constipation. Soluble fiber absorbs water, forming a gel-like substance in the digestive system. Both are equally important.
How much is 20g-35g dietary fiber? From the recommendation by Malaysian Dietary Guideline (MDG), that is nearly 3 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruits. But according to NHMS 2019, 95% of Malaysian adult do not eat the recommended daily servings, so obviously that the intake of dietary fiber of Malaysian is insufficient.
Adequate intake of dietary fiber can facilitate fecal excretion and regular intestinal transit, and help in regulating proper cholesterol and glucose metabolism. Besides, dietary fibre is also metabolized in the colon into short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs), which can help provide some energy after absorption. Besides, recent evidence supports these SCFAs play important role in regulating immunity, blood pressure, glucose and lipid metabolism.
SCFAs strengthen a person health by a creating complete mucosal barrier, prevent pathogenic microorganisms from entering the portal circulation. Besides, they also regulate the immune system and anti-inflammatory response. As such, provide adequate dietary fiber (soluble fibre) is important to protect health.
There are sufficient evidences to support multiple health claims of European Food Safety Authority ( EFSA) that certain types of dietary fiber, if consumed in meals, may help reduce postprandial blood sugar rise. Psyllium husk is the most popular one, it is a viscous, soluble and non-fermentable fibre which can delay the degradation and absorption of nutrients, thus reduce the absorption of total glucose and cholesterol.
African mango is another well-known dietary fiber, especially for dieters. The rich dietary fiber can be used to promote intestinal health, and it is also suitable for treating patients with high cholesterol and diabetes which both are related to weight loss and obesity.
Due to insufficient daily intake, Malaysians should consider consuming more dietary fiber in their diet, and add fibre supplements wisely and appropriately to compensate the insufficiency. Through in-depth scientific research, extraction of psyllium and African mango can more effectively
- improve intestinal health
- help prevent constipation
- maintain healthy intestinal flora
- reduce blood sugar and cholesterol level
- improve body immunity
Nowadays, combination of these 2 extractions bring the health to a higher level and has gained market affirmation.