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These diseases account for 70% of all deaths in the United States. Over half the calories consumed in this country are from refined foods, from which the bran, germ, and oil have been removed. Soluble fiber consists of the plant's sticky components, including pectins, gum, and mucilage. Soluble fiber comes from the plant's skeleton, which consists of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose. Most plant foods provide insoluble fiber also. Water insoluble fiber assists in maintaining regular bowel movements, but may have an adverse or detrimental effect on irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease.
Different types of fiber may have protective benefit in various bowel disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulosis, colorectal cancer and other conditions such as diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and obesity.
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