Did you know that fibre intake can benefit your brain wellbeing?
Yes, it’s true. Many of us probably don’t realise that fibre contributes to more than just your bowel regularity.
A diet rich in fibre is associated with many positive health benefits. Whilst we know that fibre is important for providing bulk to our stools which is how it helps to keep bowel health regular and efficient. What’s less known is that It also plays a role in the maintenance of healthy blood sugar and provides the necessary fuel for our friendly gut bacteria, facilitating a stabilising and balancing effect on digestive health.
Unfortunately, not everyone can achieve their daily fibre needs with dietary choices alone. In fact, up to half of all adults do not consume their daily fibre requirements. This is particularly true for the time-poor (shift workers, students or frequent corporate travellers) as it is not always possible to access more vegetables, legumes and salad. This is where supplementation can help support wellbeing. There’s a simple, yet potent fibre source that’s easy to add to our daily routine to boost our daily fibre intake and tap into all the associated benefits.
Introducing PHGG Sunfibre®
One of the world's most reputable sources of quality, evidence-based, prebiotic soluble fibre is Sunfiber®, also known as partially hydrolysed guar gum (PHGG). Derived from the guar bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba), it is called a prebiotic fibre because it serves as a valuable food source for our beneficial gut bacteria to consume and thrive.
The Gut-Brain Benefits of Sunfiber®:
- Digestive Health Benefits: Sunfiber® exerts a gentle, natural action to help maintain regular bowel movements, preventing constipation. Its prebiotic properties promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, supporting a healthy gut microbiome. Improving our digestive health has a positive effect on mood and neurological health via the gut-brain axis.
- Blood Sugar Management: Sunfiber® has been shown to aid with managing our blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of glucose from the digestive system. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with medical requirements for stabilising blood sugar levels. Supporting healthy blood sugar helps protect long-term brain wellbeing.
- Weight Management: The consumption of PHGG fibre has been shown to promote the feeling of fullness, which may help reduce overall calorie intake by decreasing our desire for snacking between meals. Additionally, its prebiotic properties can play a positive role in weight management by facilitating a healthy microbiome environment. Poor metabolic health is connected to cognitive decline and thus supporting healthy weight management can benefit long-term brain health.
- Heart Health Benefits: Studies have indicated that Sunfiber® can support healthy cholesterol levels, specifically reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol. Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels contributes to a healthier cardiovascular system. Our vascular health is important to our brain, vision and peripheral nerve health. Without a healthy vascular system, we cannot transport oxygen and vital nutrients to the brain and nervous system.
- Improved Gut Health: PHGG promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria species, such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, which contribute to a more balanced gut microbiome. A healthy gut microbiome is associated with enhanced digestion, mood optimisation and improved immune resilience - all of which provide a positive spillover effect to the brain and nervous system.
Sunfiber® offers numerous health benefits due to its soluble fibre properties and prebiotic effects. Its ability to support digestive health, regulate blood sugar levels, aid in weight management, improve heart health, and enhance gut microbiota make it a valuable addition to a well-rounded diet with a focus on brain and cognitive health.
REFERENCES
Takahashi H, et al. Influence of partially hydrolyzed guar gum on constipation in women. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 1994 Jun;40(3):251-9.
Tokunaga M, et al Effect of partially hydrolyzed guar gum on postprandial hyperglycemia a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover-study. Japanese pharmacology and therapeutics, 2016;44(1):85‐91
Rao TP. Role of guar fiber in appetite control. Physiol Behav. 2016 Oct 1;164(Pt A):277-83.
Rao TP, et al. Post-meal perceivable satiety and subsequent energy intake with intake of partially hydrolysed guar gum. Br J Nutr. 2015 May 14;113(9):1489-98.
Minekus M, et al. Effect of partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) on the bioaccessibility of fat and cholesterol. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2005 May;69(5):932-8.
Kapoor, et al. Lifestyle related changes with partially hydrolyzed guar gum dietary fiber in healthy athlete individuals – A randomized, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled gut microbiome clinical. Funct Foods. 2020;72:104067.