Question

Select all that apply

What does fiber in the diet do?

a. causes constipation
b. facilitates elimination
c. provides bulk in feces
d. increases the glycemic index

Answer 1

Dietary fiber aids in facilitating elimination, adds bulk to feces, helps prevent constipation, and regulates the glycemic response to foods but does not cause constipation or increase the glycemic index.

Step-by-step explanation:

Dietary fiber plays a crucial role in maintaining digestive health. Here is what fiber in the diet does:

• Facilitates elimination: By absorbing and holding water, bulking fibers like cellulose and psyllium promote regularity and facilitate the elimination process.
• Provides bulk in feces: Insoluble fibers such as cellulose add bulk to the feces, stimulating peristalsis in the large intestine and helping to prevent constipation.
• Does not cause constipation: Instead, it helps prevent or correct constipation by keeping food wastes moving through the digestive tract.
• Does not increase the glycemic index: Soluble fibers like beta-glucan slow the absorption of glucose into the blood, modulating blood sugar levels, and potentially reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

The health benefits of fiber include a decreased risk of coronary heart disease, colon cancer, and type 2 diabetes, alongside improving digestive health and regularity.