Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Soluble and Insoluble Dietary Fibers in Whole Grains and Their Health Benefits

The growing global prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is drawing an increasing amount of attention to the health-promoting potential of whole-grain dietary fibers. Whole grains are rich sources of both soluble dietary fiber (SDF) and insoluble dietary fiber (IDF), contributing distinct p...

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Main Authors: Pathumi Ariyarathna, Patryk Mizera, Jarosław Walkowiak, Krzysztof Dziedzic
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-07-01
Series:Foods
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/14/14/2447
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author Pathumi Ariyarathna
Patryk Mizera
Jarosław Walkowiak
Krzysztof Dziedzic
author_facet Pathumi Ariyarathna
Patryk Mizera
Jarosław Walkowiak
Krzysztof Dziedzic
author_sort Pathumi Ariyarathna
collection DOAJ
description The growing global prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is drawing an increasing amount of attention to the health-promoting potential of whole-grain dietary fibers. Whole grains are rich sources of both soluble dietary fiber (SDF) and insoluble dietary fiber (IDF), contributing distinct physicochemical properties and playing vital roles in promoting human health. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the dietary fiber compositions of various whole grains, including wheat, oats, barley, rye, corn, sorghum, and rice, highlighting their structural characteristics, physiochemical properties, and associated health benefits. The physicochemical properties of dietary fibers, such as solubility, water- and oil-holding capacity, viscosity, swelling ability, and bile-acid-binding capacity, contribute significantly to their technological applications and potential health benefits, particularly in the prevention of NCDs. Although there is growing evidence supporting their health benefits, global whole-grain intake remains below recommended levels. Therefore, promoting whole-grain intake and developing fiber-rich functional foods are essential for enhancing public health and preventing chronic diseases. Future research should focus on enhancing the bioavailability and functionality of whole-grain dietary fibers, optimizing the methods by which they are extracted, and exploring their potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
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spelling doaj-art-1f01f3a9d16048df8f51f07136f9c2b92025-08-20T03:08:09ZengMDPI AGFoods2304-81582025-07-011414244710.3390/foods14142447Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Soluble and Insoluble Dietary Fibers in Whole Grains and Their Health BenefitsPathumi Ariyarathna0Patryk Mizera1Jarosław Walkowiak2Krzysztof Dziedzic3Department of Agriculture, Sri Lanka School of Agriculture, Dambulla 21100, Sri LankaFaculty of Food Science and Nutrition, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 31, 60-624 Poznan, PolandDepartment of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Metabolic Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Szpitalna 27/33, 60-572 Poznan, PolandFaculty of Food Science and Nutrition, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 31, 60-624 Poznan, PolandThe growing global prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is drawing an increasing amount of attention to the health-promoting potential of whole-grain dietary fibers. Whole grains are rich sources of both soluble dietary fiber (SDF) and insoluble dietary fiber (IDF), contributing distinct physicochemical properties and playing vital roles in promoting human health. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the dietary fiber compositions of various whole grains, including wheat, oats, barley, rye, corn, sorghum, and rice, highlighting their structural characteristics, physiochemical properties, and associated health benefits. The physicochemical properties of dietary fibers, such as solubility, water- and oil-holding capacity, viscosity, swelling ability, and bile-acid-binding capacity, contribute significantly to their technological applications and potential health benefits, particularly in the prevention of NCDs. Although there is growing evidence supporting their health benefits, global whole-grain intake remains below recommended levels. Therefore, promoting whole-grain intake and developing fiber-rich functional foods are essential for enhancing public health and preventing chronic diseases. Future research should focus on enhancing the bioavailability and functionality of whole-grain dietary fibers, optimizing the methods by which they are extracted, and exploring their potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/14/14/2447whole grainsdietary fiberphysicochemical propertiesnon-communicable diseases
spellingShingle Pathumi Ariyarathna
Patryk Mizera
Jarosław Walkowiak
Krzysztof Dziedzic
Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Soluble and Insoluble Dietary Fibers in Whole Grains and Their Health Benefits
Foods
whole grains
dietary fiber
physicochemical properties
non-communicable diseases
title Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Soluble and Insoluble Dietary Fibers in Whole Grains and Their Health Benefits
title_full Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Soluble and Insoluble Dietary Fibers in Whole Grains and Their Health Benefits
title_fullStr Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Soluble and Insoluble Dietary Fibers in Whole Grains and Their Health Benefits
title_full_unstemmed Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Soluble and Insoluble Dietary Fibers in Whole Grains and Their Health Benefits
title_short Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Soluble and Insoluble Dietary Fibers in Whole Grains and Their Health Benefits
title_sort physicochemical and functional properties of soluble and insoluble dietary fibers in whole grains and their health benefits
topic whole grains
dietary fiber
physicochemical properties
non-communicable diseases
url https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/14/14/2447
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AT patrykmizera physicochemicalandfunctionalpropertiesofsolubleandinsolubledietaryfibersinwholegrainsandtheirhealthbenefits
AT jarosławwalkowiak physicochemicalandfunctionalpropertiesofsolubleandinsolubledietaryfibersinwholegrainsandtheirhealthbenefits
AT krzysztofdziedzic physicochemicalandfunctionalpropertiesofsolubleandinsolubledietaryfibersinwholegrainsandtheirhealthbenefits