Why is fibre important for digestion?

Why is fibre important for digestion?

• A. Increases enzyme activity
• B. Adds bulk for movement
• C. Reduces stomach acidity
• D. Aids protein digestion

Answer: (B)

Fibre works mainly by adding bulk to the stool and helping move it along the gut. Because we can’t digest fibre, it travels through the digestive tract largely intact and, in the large intestine, it absorbs water and swells. This increased bulk stretches the intestinal walls and promotes peristaltic waves, making bowel movements more regular and speeding the passage of contents through the digestive system. The other statements don’t fit because fibre doesn’t boost enzyme activity, doesn’t reduce stomach acidity, and doesn’t directly aid protein breakdown—protein digestion relies on stomach and pancreatic enzymes. So the most accurate description of fibre’s role in digestion is that it adds bulk for movement.

Fibre works mainly by adding bulk to the stool and helping move it along the gut. Because we can’t digest fibre, it travels through the digestive tract largely intact and, in the large intestine, it absorbs water and swells. This increased bulk stretches the intestinal walls and promotes peristaltic waves, making bowel movements more regular and speeding the passage of contents through the digestive system. The other statements don’t fit because fibre doesn’t boost enzyme activity, doesn’t reduce stomach acidity, and doesn’t directly aid protein breakdown—protein digestion relies on stomach and pancreatic enzymes. So the most accurate description of fibre’s role in digestion is that it adds bulk for movement.