Question

Carbohydrates contain 4 cals/gram and a diet high in carbohydrates have been linked to an increase risk for obesity. Explain why a diet high in fibre has been linked to a decreased risk for obesity.

Answer 1

Dietary fibre is a non-digestable part of the plant food. Our body is not able to digest and absorb these fibres. Thus, they do not increase calories intake of a person.

However, they have health benefits which reduces the risk for many diseases and obesity.

It helps in decreasing the blood cholesterol and glucose levels. In addition, it increases the stool bulk and helps in easy movement of materials through the digestive tract.

Thus, it helps in lowering the risk for developing obesity.