the impact of a low intake of fibre on australias health status

Question 1

fibre

Answer 1

• a carbohydrate that is required for optimal health and wellbeing
• acts as a digestive cleaner and adds bulk to faeces

Question 2

soluble fibre

Answer 2

• absorbs water
• eg. oats, barely, dried beans, lentils, peas, soy products, fruit and vegetables
• if left in a bowl of water, oats will absorb moisture and turn into a mushy, gel-like substance

Question 3

insoluble fibre

Answer 3

• does not absorb moisture
• eg. fruit and vegetable peels, wheat, rice and corn brans, nut, seeds and wholegrain foods
• if left in water will not change in texture

Question 4

low intake of fibre leads to

Answer 4

• overweight/obesity
• cardiovascular disease
• colorectal cancer
• type 2 diabetes

Question 5

low intake of fibre - overweight/obesity

Answer 5

• fibre provides a feeling of satiety/fullness
• low intake can lead to over eating and eventually overweight/obesity
• fibre slows digestion meaning glucose is absorbed slowly
• low intake means more glucose is being absorbed, and stored as fat if not used up

Question 6

low intake of fibre - colorectal cancer

Answer 6

• adds bulk to faeces and cleans the digestive tract
• this reduces the risk of abnormal cells developing and causing cancer

Question 7

low intake of fibre - cardiovascular disease

Answer 7

• soluble fibre attaches to particles of LDL cholesterol and helps excrete them, decreasing cholesterol levels which decreases the risk of cvd
• low intake means cholesterol is not excreted as well so the risk of cardiovascular disease is increased

Question 8

low intake of fibre - type 2 diabetes

Answer 8

• fibre reduces the absorption of glucose which takes pressure of the pancreas
• low intake of insoluble fibre is associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes