Fiber Phytate
Some polysaccharides are only digested by the action of colon bacteria. Some of these fiberous plant polysaccharides (and associated macromolecules, such as lignan) are inso luble, whereas the soluble fiber is made of beta-glucans. Insoluble fiber also contains the active ingredient, phytic acid (inositol hexasulfate). Fiber stimulates the passage of ingested material through the colon, i.e. it has a laxative effect. Growth of beneficial (probiotic) bacteria are enhanced by fiber. Beta-glucans also enhance immune function and have been reported to inhibit tumor expansion and enhance resistance to some bacterial infections, e.g. anthrax. My personal experience with fiber components began with my graduate research. I ended up determining the structure of the beta-glucans from fungi that trigger the disease resistance of plants. Other researchers soon found that the beta-glucans also triggered the immune system of crayfish and it wasn’t long before beta-glucans were recognized as ...