Dietary fiber in bananas

In most UK diets approximately 6% of dietary fiber is provided by fruit and vegetables. The dietary fiber found in these foods is mainly in the form of cellulose, hemicelluloses and pectin.

Dietary fiber can be defined as the skeletal remains of plants cells that are resistant to digestion by the enzymes. There are two types of dietary fiber-soluble and insoluble.

Bananas are rich in soluble fibers. Bananas and plantains are frequently used as a source of fiber. Dependent on the cultivar and method of extraction, a fresh banana plant yields about 0.6 – 1.0% fiber. Banana peel is a rich source of dietary fiber which is 50% on a dry matter basis.
Dietary fiber in bananas

Water soluble fiber

Dietary fiber is best regarded as comprising two major types: water soluble fiber, such as pectin and water-insoluble fiber, such as cellulose.

Most of the fiber in plant cell walls is water-soluble. Soluble fiber promotes regular bowel movements and aids in weight loss by slowing down the passage of food and giving a full feeling.

Soluble fiber is made up of non-cellulose carbohydrates, including pectins, gums, algal polysaccharides and some types of hemicellulose.

Water soluble is important it binds substances including bile salts and cholesterol, thereby reducing lipid uptake by the intestines.

Thus water-soluble fiber minimizes the absorption of cholesterol in the food and reduces cholesterol produced by the body.

Soluble fiber is useful in the management of diabetes, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia and other conditions that affected by the quick breakdown of carbohydrates into glucose, a form of sugar.

Food sources of insoluble fiber include barley, beans and peas, lentils, oat bran, fruits and vegetables. Eating oat bran (2 oz.) regularly each day may effectively lower blood sugar levels.
Water soluble fiber