Final answer:
Gums, mucilages, pectins, psyllium, and some hemicellulose are examples of carbohydrates, specifically as types of dietary fiber that contribute to a healthy digestive system and overall health.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gums, mucilages, pectins, psyllium, and some hemicellulose are examples of carbohydrates. These are all plant-derived substances that fall under the category of dietary fibers or non-starch polysaccharides. They are important elements in human diets, although they are not completely broken down by digestive enzymes. Fiber provides various health benefits including promoting a healthy digestive system, reducing absorption of unhealthy substances such as cholesterol, and potentially lowering the risk of certain diseases.
Cellulose and starch, in particular, are types of polysaccharides, which are long chains of monosaccharide units. While cellulose serves as insoluble dietary fiber that humans cannot digest, starch is a digestible polysaccharide that provides energy. Dietary fiber is essential, as it helps maintain the health of the digestive system, provides bulk against which muscles of the digestive tract can work, and it even aids in making individuals feel full, which helps regulate food intake.