Ballast substance: what is it? What is the role of ballast substances in the body? The content of ballast substances in food

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Not so long ago, the term "ballast substance" was introduced into science. These words denoted those components of food that could not be absorbed by the human body. For quite a long time, scientists even recommended avoiding such food, since there was no sense from it anyway. But thanks to a lot of research, the scientific world has become aware that the ballast substance (cellulose, fiber, etc.) not only does not harm, but also benefits, helping to solve a lot of problems, including digestive disorders. Today, these food components are widely used for the prevention of diseases of the digestive tract, as well as for weight loss.

What is ballast?

In the modern world, food has been studied far and wide. And until recentlyit was customary to release nutrients and ballast substances. The group of nutritional components included proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals, in a word, everything that was used in the further life of the body.

Ballast substances were called substances that were not digested in the human digestive tract due to the lack of appropriate enzymes. It was believed that such components are useless and can even be harmful. That is why they were considered to be ballast. Some scientists have advised limiting the amount of certain food groups in the diet.

However, in the process of research, it was noticed that people who refused food with ballast substances were more likely to experience digestive disorders. Moreover, they became prone to obesity and diabetes. Such data forced scientists to conduct tests again and reconsider the components of food that the body is not able to digest. So a huge discovery was made: these substances were not actually ballast, they ensured the normal functioning of the digestive system and not only.

Main ballast materials

As you know, vegetable food contains the largest amount of ballast substances. The group of these components include:

• Fiber (found in cereals, vegetables and fruits).
• Cellulose, which, however, can be attributed to the same dietary fiber (present in grains, vegetables and fruits).
• Pectins (some vegetables and fruits, especially apples).
• Lingnin (it contains grain,fruit bones, vegetables).
• Alginates (algae are rich in these substances).

How do these food components affect the human body

In fact, ballast substances are very useful for the human body. Already after entering the oral cavity, they have a positive effect, because plant food is solid, it needs to be chewed for a long time and thoroughly, during this there is a natural massage of the gums, which improves blood circulation in the tissues, prevents the development of periodontitis.

Fiber is a physical stimulant of intestinal peristalsis. The presence in the diet of a sufficient amount of such food keeps the smooth muscles of the digestive tract in good shape. This affects the processes of digestion and the well-being of the patient. In addition, ballast substances contribute to the formation of normal feces. People who refuse to eat plant-based foods often experience chronic constipation.

Coarse fibers in the human intestines swell and act like a sponge, absorbing excess fluid and removing toxins from the body. Moreover, dietary fiber binds bile acids, thereby lowering blood cholesterol levels.

Plant foods are digested slowly. Therefore, nutrients, in particular glucose, enter the bloodstream slowly and measuredly.

Ballast substances are not absorbed by the human body, which cannot be said about beneficial bacteria that live in the intestines. For microflora, this is a good recharge. That is why the usefoods rich in the above components is an excellent prevention of dysbacteriosis.

Could there be a negative impact?

In theory, plant foods containing these very ballast components can harm the body. Microorganisms in the human gut can partially digest fiber and other plant materials, releasing gases in the process. Their excess can lead to swelling and damage to the epithelial tissues of the intestinal wall. In turn, the result will be a violation of the absorption of zinc, calcium, iron and magnesium. Possible consequences include intestinal volvulus as a result of its overcrowding.

But it is worth noting that the likelihood of such a phenomenon is minimized, since for this a person would have to absorb huge amounts of plant foods, which is almost impossible.

Contraindication to the use of ballast components

We have already de alt with the question of whether the ballast substance is dangerous. The benefits of these components for the body are simply invaluable. On the other hand, there are situations in which it is contraindicated to eat plant foods rich in fiber.

It should be excluded from the diet for gastritis or peptic ulcer of the intestine, stomach. Of course, we are talking only about periods of exacerbation. Immediately after the completion of treatment, dietary fiber must again be introduced into the menu. It has been proven that within a few weeks after refusing food rich in ballast substances, the intestinal wallsbecome lethargic, the patient develops constipation, and then dysbacteriosis.

Fixed matter and slimming

This group of substances is also useful in dietetics, as it helps to fight excess weight. As already mentioned, coarse fibers have a positive effect on bowel function, improve digestion, and affect blood sugar levels.

Furthermore, plant-based foods tend to be low in calories and low in unhe althy fats. And these products also allow you to achieve a feeling of fullness, as the fibers in the intestines swell. Of course, in addition to ballast substances, plant products are rich in minerals and vitamins, which is simply necessary for the human body during weight loss. For example, the benefits of lentils for the body during a diet have long been proven, since with this product a person receives not only dietary fiber, but also proteins.

Which products contain these ingredients?

Ballast substance, despite the name, is extremely useful for the body. That is why foods containing these components must be present in the diet. Their list includes oatmeal and wheat bran. Legumes are also rich in them, in particular peas, white beans and others. The benefits of lentils for the human body, for example, are enormous, since, in addition to fiber, it contains proteins, a huge amount of vitamins and minerals.

Dried fruits will be useful, for example, raisins, prunes, dried apricots. Should be included in the dietfresh fruits and vegetables, especially cabbage and carrots. You can diversify the menu with whole grain pasta. As you can see, ballast fibers are found in many foods, and you should never refuse them.