Research
Energy balance
Insoluble non-starch polysaccharides (specifically cellulose and hemicellulose) act as effective laxatives by providing bulk to gut contents, promoting normal laxation and preventing constipation.
If you struggle with constipation, increase your intake of insoluble fiber found in whole grains, wheat bran, and the skins of fruits and vegetables. This adds bulk to your stool and helps move waste through your digestive system more effectively.
ModerateSupportsMEDIUM confidence
Insoluble NSPs (cellulose and hemicellulose) are effective laxatives whereas soluble NSPs (especially mixed-link β-glucans) lower plasma cholesterol levels and help to normalize blood glucose and insulin levels
Why this rating
Review paper summarizing established physiological roles.
Source
Dietary Roles of Non-Starch Polysachharides in Human Nutrition: A Review
Vikas Kumar et al. · Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition · 2012
DOI 10.1080/10408398.2010.512671
narrative_reviewCited 304×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
More from this paper
- Dietary intake of non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs), particularly soluble types like mixed-link β-glucans, lowers plasma cholesterol and normalizes blood glucose and insulin levels, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes.Moderate
- Fermentation of non-starch polysaccharides by colonic microflora produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), particularly butyrate, which promotes large bowel health, inhibits pathogenic organisms, and may offer a prebiotic effect.Moderate
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