Table 3.

Functions and benefits of dietary fibre on human health

Functions	Benefits
Adds bulk to the diet, making feel full faster	May reduce appetite
Attracts water and turns to gel during digestion, trapping carbohydrates and slowing absorption of glucose	Lowers variance in blood sugar levels
Lowers total and LDL cholesterol	Reduces risk of heart disease
Regulates blood pressure	May reduce onset risk or symptoms of metabolic syndrome and diabetes
Speeds the passage of foods through the digestive system	Facilitates regularity
Adds bulk to stool	Alleviates constipation
Balances intestinal pH and stimulates intestinal fermentation production of short-chain fatty acids	May reduce risk of colorectal cancers