There has been increasing reportsconcerning several physiological responses, such as lowering ofplasma cholesterol levels, modification of glycemic response,improving large bowel function, and lowering nutrientsavailability. According to recent evidences, most isolated fibersthat are water soluble will lower plasma cholesterol in humans andanimals. These include pectins, psyllium, and various gums such asguar gum, Iocust bean gum and modified celluloses such ascarboxymethylcellulose. Consumption of fiber-rich sourcescontaining water-soluble fibers, such as oat bran, barley (sourcesof β-glucan fiber), Iegumes, and vegetables, usually results in alowering plasma cholesterol. In this review, I will describe twodifferent meta- analysises and some mechanisms of these actionincluding its effects on cholesterol synthesis rates, VLDLsecretion rates, LDL turnover rates and susceptibility of LDL tooxidation.
Key words: water-soluble fiber, plasma cholesterol lowering,high-viscosity soluble dietary fiber, cholesterol synthesis,Iipoprotein metabolism |
