nsp (Non starch polysaccharides)

⇒ Today we will talk about non starch polysaccharides.                                 We will know what is NSP ? Source of NSP. Function of NSP

Let’s get started :-

Non starch polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates found in plant foods or complex carbohydrates other than starch. which cannot be completely digested by  enzymes in the human digestive tract. It simple term dietary fiber.

♦ What is (NSP) Non starch polysaccharides ?

It is a cellulose, pectin, gum, hemi-cellulose, mucilage component found in plant cell walls.in one word, carbohydrate polysaccharides found in plant cell walls.

♦ why is nsp not digested?

the human body does not have the necessary enzymes to break down non starch polysaccharides, therefore nsp passes through the stomach and small intestine and reaches the large intestine almost unchanged.

♦ Type of non starch polysaccharides :-

there are two types of NSP-  1. Soluble NSP                        2. In soluble NSP                                        1. Soluble NSP –  A non-starch polysaccharide that dissolves in water and forms a jelly-like substance during digestion. Example – Pectin, gums, mucilage, beta- glucan, etc.                        2. Insoluble NSP – A NSP that does not dissolve in water and Helps prevent constipation. Example – cellulose, hemi-cellulose, arabinoxylan, etc.

♦ Source of non starch polysaccharides

we get non starch polysaccharides,                                                                                                 • vegetable – spinach, cucumber, carrot, cauliflower, cabbage, etc.                                                   •  fruits –  apple, banana, guava, orange, papaya, etc.                                                                                Also wheat bran, oats, barley, brown rice, nuts, sesame, pulses, etc.

♦ The relation between non starch polysaccharides and food rich in dietary fiber :- 

Dietary fiber is primarily composed of NSP which are not digested in the human gut.                    here are foods rich in dietary fiber – oats, barley, brown rice, lentils, peas, guava, apple, pear, broccoli, carrot, cabbage, almonds, chia seeds, etc.

♦ work in body

NSP performs several important functions in our body.                                                                      1. Relieves constipation :-Absorbs water in the intestines as a result, the stool remains soft. also helps with bowel function. NSP are very helpful for constipation patients.                                2. Reduces cholesterol in the blood :- soluble non starch polysaccharides such as- beta glucan, helps control blood cholesterol.                                                                                                               3. Weight loss :- It absorbs water and forms a gel-like consistency in the stomach, so you don’t feel hungry for a long time.                                                                                                                             4. Aids in digestion :- helps break down food by increasing beneficial bacteria. digestive work well when there is NSP.                                                                                                                               5. Keeps the intestines healthy.                                                                                                                     6. Reduces digestive system diseases.                                                                                                         7. Controls glucose.

♦ Deficiency of NSP :-

• Digestive problems.
• problems controlling blood glucose.
• constipation.
• increases the risk of colon cancer.
• risks of piles and fissures.
• increases the risk of diabetes.

♦ Due to excessive intake:-

eating foods containing excess NSP or dietary fiber –

• gas and bloating.
• stomach pain and cramps.
• diarrhea or loose stools.
• impaired nutrient absorption.
• weakness and weight loss.
• IBS or sensitive bowel problem may increase.

• How much NSP is safe per day ?

generally for adults(age- 16-25) 25-35 grams dietary fiber per day.  and 15-20 grams per day for children (age-7 to 15 ).

♦ Benefits of NSP :-

• strengthens digestion.
• keeps the stomach clean.
• helps control diabetes.
• increases beneficial bacteria in the gut.
• helps reduce the risk of cancer.
• helps reduce cholesterol.

♦ Relationship between NSP and diabetes :-

the role of diabetes weight control :- plays an important role in diabetes and weight control. NSP basically an undigested carbohydrate, which absorbs water in the stomach and forms jelly like substance. as a result, food is digested slowly and the glucose made from carbohydrates enters the blood slowly. therefore, blood sugar levels do not increase suddenly, which is helpful in controlling diabetes.