What specific function is attributed to soluble fiber found in banana squash?
Answer
Dissolving in water to form a gel that nourishes gut bacteria
Banana squash contains both types of dietary fiber: soluble and insoluble, both crucial for digestive health. Insoluble fiber is responsible for adding bulk to stool and aiding in the physical movement of food through the system, which prevents constipation. Soluble fiber, however, behaves differently; it dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance within the digestive tract. This gel serves the vital function of acting as a prebiotic, meaning it feeds and nourishes the population of beneficial bacteria residing in the gut microbiome. A thriving gut microbiome, supported by this soluble fiber, is linked to broader benefits like improved mood regulation and immune response.
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