XBrain’s multi-fiber blend product that may help ward off constipation and other digestive issues. Fibre has 9 different botanicals to support healthy gastrointestinal function. Dietary fiber which can be found in fruits, legumes, whole grains and vegetables and is important for maintaining healthy elimination. Dietary fiber also aids in maintaining a healthy immune system, lowers your risk of diabetes, lowers cholesterol levels, aids in maintaining proper weight and lowers the risk of heart disease and colon cancer. As you can see, fiber in the diets plays many roles in maintaining your health.
What dietary fiber is all about is roughage that comes from plants foods that you can’t digest or absorb. Other foods such as carbohydrates (non-fiber carbohydrates), fats and proteins can be broken down into their component parts and absorbed by the small intestine On the hand, roughage or dietary fiber passes through the entire gastrointestinal tract. This is important for maintaining healthy gut function by preventing the buildup of toxins and mucus that does damage to the intestinal wall.
Fiber is classified as either soluble or insoluble. Soluble means that it dissolves in water and insoluble means that it doesn’t dissolve in water. When soluble fiber dissolves it tends to form a gelatinous material which can trap cholesterol, other fats and glucose, thereby lowering blood levels of cholesterol and glucose. Insoluble fiber promotes movement of materials through your digestive system and increases stool bulk to help eliminate constipation and irregular bowel movements. XBrain’s Fibre contains 9 botanicals that are high in both soluble and insoluble fiber that includes psyllium, flaxseed, fenugreek, apple pectin, fennel, prune extract, broccoli, carrot and fig extract. These botanicals work synergistically to keep you regular while providing vitamins, minerals, enzymes and powerful antioxidants to maintain overall health. As most people have difficulty in getting the fiber they need, XBrain’s Fibre has made it easy and convenient for you by putting everything you need in capsule form. Fibre optimizes fiber intake by providing a wide variety of plants that are all high in fiber.
Listed below are all the botanicals in Fibre and the fiber components along with bioactive molecules that support overall health. Keep in mind that plants foods are good sources of fiber but they are also carry many other nutrients which is an added plus. You simply need to take 3 to 8 capsules a day depending on your requirements along with ample water (minimum of 250ml, approximately 1/2 cup) before the evening meal or divide up your dose between two meals. Fibre has no added sugar, salt, preservatives, wheat, gluten, lactose, diary, colors, fillers or flavors. The capsule is vegetable cellulose and this supplement is suitable for vegans and is GMO-free.
Ingredients
Psyllium Husk and Seeds Blend 525mg
Psyllium seeds come from a small bushy plant that is commonly grown in Far East, eastern Europe and Russia. These seeds are very small and are encased with a fibrous husk which is removed by thrashing and winnowing. The seed husks are considered a waste product yet they have some unique properties that provide medicinal benefit. Seed husks contain a lot of mucilage (indigestible soluble fiber) which attracts water. Psyllium Seed Husks absorb excess water in the small intestine and acts as a natural cleanser. Often taken as a dietary supplement, psyllium seed husks have been demonstrated to relieve both diarrhea and constipation, thereby restoring normal gastrointestinal function. In alternative medical therapy, seed husks are used to lower cholesterol, relieve irritable bowel syndrome, prevent cancer and lose weight.
The recommended dosage of psyllium husk and seeds is 3 to 5 grams daily. Make sure to drink plenty of water as the indigestible soluble fiber, mucilage, is going to absorb a fair amount of water from the small intestine.
Fenugreek Powder 50mg
Fenugreek contains a number of components beyond fiber. It contains fair amounts of protein, B3, vitamin C and potassium. Fenugreek also contains alkaloids, lysine and L-tryptophan (both essential amino acids) along with saponins such as diosgenin, yamogenin, tigogenin and neotigogenin. Saponins act as a natural immune system in plants protecting them from pathogens. In humans, saponins have the ability to bind bile acids, thereby lowering cholesterol levels while strengthening the immune system as well. Saponins help to lower the incidence of inflammation. Saponins stay in the gastrointestinal system and carry fats and cholesterol out of the body.
Fenugreek is used as a therapy for arthritis, asthma, to improve digestion, increase sexual desire and male potency, prevent acid reflux and heal skin problems. Some studies suggest that fenugreek helps to lower blood glucose levels making it an effective treatment for both diabetes type 1 and 2. Fenugreek seeds contain a lot of mucilage (indigestible soluble fiber) that aids in coating the lining of the stomach and intestine. This acts as an effective remedy against heartburn (acid reflux).
Apple Pectin 20mg
Apple pectin is a structural heteropolysaccharide that is found in cell walls of plants and is often used as a gelling agent in jams and jellies. It is often used in medicines and supplements as a source of dietary fiber. Since it is a dietary fiber it aids in maintaining digestive health. Other fruits that contain apple pectin include plums, currants and peaches. Apple pectin is an indigestible, soluble fiber that is often used to regulate intestinal function, particularly as an anti-diarrhea agent. Apple pectin also absorbs cholesterol and carries it out of the body effectively lowering blood cholesterol levels. Apples also contain insoluble fiber and it is the combination of both soluble and insoluble fiber that cleanses the intestinal tract maintaining intestinal health.
Fennel Seed Powder 20mg
Fennel seeds have been used for ages as a flavoring for not only foods but several liquors such as gin and absinthe. The seeds contain essential oils such as anethole, limonene, fenchone, estragole, safrole, pinene, camphene, myrcene and cymene. The seed also contains fiber along with complex carbohydrates, quercetin and kaempferol (antioxidants, flavonoids), Vitamin A, E, C and B-complex, and minerals (copper, iron, calcium, potassium, manganese, selenium, zinc and magnesium). In animal models and cell cultures, anethole has been demonstrated to carry antioxidant (inhibits lipid peroxidation), anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. It also increases the production of glutathione. Glutathione is an antioxidant that is made by cells in your body and important to mitochondrial function and the production of ATP.
Fennel seeds are a rich source of insoluble fiber (100 g of seeds provides 39.8 g of fiber). This insoluble fiber absorbs water and increases the bulk of food intake and alleviates constipation. This dietary fiber also binds to bile salts inhibiting reabsorption of cholesterol in the gut which aids in lowering blood cholesterol levels. Along with fennel seed’s antioxidants, insoluble fiber protects the lining of the colon from cancer. The essential oils aid in digestion, settle upset stomach (nausea) and carry anti-flatulent properties.
Prune Juice Fruit Extract 5:1 10mg
Prunes are dried ripe plums and a concentrate juice extract is taken from softened prunes. As an extract, the concentrate is high in soluble and insoluble fiber. The extract also contains a-aminobutyric acid, citrulline, taurine, 0-phosphoethanolamine, and quinic acid. Prunes contain potassium, iron, chromium, lutein as well as vitamins A and C.
The health benefits of prunes are many. There are studies that have demonstrated that prunes improve bone health especially for postmenopausal women. Prunes also lower bad cholesterol, protect against cancer including colon cancer and reduce inflammation. The soluble fiber in prunes stabilize blood glucose levels and may help in the prevention of diabetes type 2. Prunes also carry appetite suppressants and powerful antioxidants. Prunes are reported to be good for skin in that it prevents wrinkles. Prunes are also good for maintaining normal weight since each prune contains about 11 calories (fat free) and it is suggested to take 4 prunes daily or get a prune equivalent from a supplement such as XBrain’s Fibre.
Prunes have been fairly well studied for their content of phytonutrients known as neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acid. These are phenols and they act as powerful antioxidants. They neutralize the superoxide anion radical preventing damage to lipids effectively protecting cell membranes. This is particularly important for neurons.
The soluble fiber found in prunes stabilizes blood glucose levels by slowing down the rate at which food exits the stomach and by slowing down glucose absorption in the intestine. This also provides for a sense of satiation preventing overeating and unnecessary weight gain.
Prunes and their insoluble fiber are well known for their ability to eliminate constipation by adding bulk and decreasing fecal matter transit time, thereby lowering the risk of colon cancer and hemorrhoids. However, the insoluble fiber portion actually provides food for flora (bacteria) in the large intestine. This maintains high levels of good bacteria while inhibiting the growth of bad bacteria. Good bacteria in the colon ferment insoluble fiber converting it into short chain fatty acids such as butyric acid, propionic acid and acetic acid. Butyric acid acts as a primary fuel for cells lining the colon effectively maintaining a healthy colon. Propionic and acetic acids are used by cells in the liver and muscle. It is believed that propionic acid inhibits HMG-CoA reductase. This is the enzyme that is involved with the production of cholesterol by the liver. By inhibiting this enzyme, the liver makes less cholesterol, thereby lowering blood cholesterol levels.
A study done on close to 10,000 adult Americans supports that eating high fiber foods such as prunes help to prevent heart disease. These individuals were followed for 19 years (long-term study). Researchers report that individuals that had the most fiber intake, 21 g daily, had 12 percent less coronary heart disease and 11 percent less cardiovascular disease as compared to individuals taking in 5 grams per day. Individuals who took in the greatest amount of soluble fiber did even better demonstrating a 15 percent reduced risk of coronary heart disease and 10 percent reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
Broccoli Powder (0.5 percent sulphurophane) 5mg
Broccoli is high in a number of healthy molecules known as glucosinolates. Broccoli is also rich in beta-carotene (antioxidant, form of vitamin A), calcium, and vitamin B9 (folate). Broccoli powder has been reported to contain powerful cancer-inhibiting components and to relieve fibromyalgia symptoms.
A study published in the “Journal of Food and Agricultural Science” (Aug. 2009) was conducted on laboratory animals that had been administered broccoli powder for 7 days. The researchers reported that there was an increase in activity associated with antioxidants and enzymes involved with detoxification which supports liver and colon function.
Carrot Powder 5mg
Carrots are packed with nutrition providing essential enzymes, vitamins, minerals and fiber. Carrots are a good source of calcium, iron, potassium, beta-carotene, B1, B2, B6, B9, C, K, lignins (insoluble dietary fiber) and biotin (B7). Beyond maintaining a healthy gastrointestinal tract with lignins, carrots support eye health, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, boosts the immune system to help fight off infections and regulates blood sugar levels.
The beta-carotene in carrot reduces the risk of cancer according to research. Increasing carrot consumption from 1.7 to 2.7 mg a day reduces lung cancer by at least 40 percent. The fiber in carrots along with beta-carotene has been shown to reduce the risk of colon cancer by 24 percent. Clinical studies indicate that women eating raw carrots were 5 to 8 times less likely to develop breast cancer than women who did not eat carrots.
It is known that beta-carotene is good for the eyes and it has been demonstrated that taking in beta-carotene reduces the risk of macular degeneration by 40 percent. It is also reported that beta carotene lowers the risk of strokes (a carrot per day) by 68 percent. It is also reported that stroke patients who had the highest levels of beta-carotene in their systems had better survival rates. Beta-carotene is also involved with decreasing insulin resistance, thereby regulating sugar levels and inhibiting the development of diabetes.
Fig Fruit extract 4:1 equivalent to 20mg fresh fig powder 5mg
Figs are a good source of protein, carbohydrates, crude fiber, vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B6,C, calcium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, sodium and potassium. Figs and fig extracts are commonly used to relieve constipation.
Clinical studies involving close to 52,000 postmenopausal women for for over 8 years showed a 34 percent reduction in breast cancer for those who consumed the most fruit fiber as compared to women who consume the least amount of fiber.
Since figs are a good natural source of calcium, they promote bone density. The high concentration of potassium counteracts the increased urinary calcium loss by high salt diets often found in individuals who eat a lot of processed foods. This further prevents calcium loss from bones.
Figs also afford protection from macular degeneration. Although carrots are known to protect the eyes from macular degeneration, fruits in general, including the fig promote eye health. Research results indicate that eating 3 or more servings of fruit per day lowers the risk of macular degeneration by 36 percent as compared to those who consume less than 1.5 servings daily.
The high concentration of potassium in figs helps to control blood pressure. Potassium helps to cancel out the effects of sodium.
Figs like a number of other fruit are a good source of dietary fiber. Plant foods that are high in fiber are excellent for weight management. Research demonstrates that women who increase their fiber intake with supplements decrease their caloric intake while satisfying their hunger. Dietary fiber increases the volume of food and promotes a feeling of fullness. This is an excellent way of preventing food cravings and hunger when trying to lose weight. The added bulk to fecal material promotes an increase in transit rate preventing constipation and generating regular bowel habits.
Further Reading
Schultz, William B (1998-02-18). “Federal Register 63 FR 8103, February 18, 1998 – Food Labeling: Health Claims; Soluble Fiber From Certain Foods and Coronary Heart Disease, Final Rule”. Federal Register. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Archived from the original on 2011-08-18. Retrieved 2013-02-10.
Fenugreek. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at www.naturaldatabase.com on August 18, 2009.
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L. Leguminosae). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at www.naturalstandard.com on August 13, 2009.
Pornsak Sriamornsak (2003). “Chemistry of Pectin and its Pharmaceutical Uses: A Review”. Silpakorn University International Journal3 (1–2): 206.
B. R. Thakura, R. K. Singha, A. .K Handab and M. A. Raoc. Chemistry and uses of pectin – A review. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, Volume 37, Issue 1, pp. 47-73, 1997. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10408399709527767.
Compositional Characterization of Prune Juice
http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/files/datastore/234-270.pdf
Nakatani N, Kayano S, Kikuzaki H, et al. Identification, quantitative determination, and antioxidative activities of chlorogenic acid isomers in prune (Prunus domestica L. ). J Agric Food Chem 2000 Nov;48(11):5512-6. 2000. PMID:13580.
Stacewicz-Sapuntzakis M, Bowen PE, Hussain EA, et al. Chemical composition and potential health effects of prunes: a functional food?. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2001 May;41(4):251-86. 2001. PMID:13590.
Bioactive compounds with high antioxidant potential in biofortified carrots do not influence provitamin A carotenoid bioefficacy in gerbils
http://www.fasebj.org/cgi/content/meeting_abstract/22/1_MeetingAbstracts/1105.5
Rubnov S, Kashman Y, Rabinowitz R, et al. Suppressors of cancer cell proliferation from fig (Ficus carica) resin: isolation and structure elucidation. J Nat Prod 2001 Jul;64(7):993-6. 2001. PMID:13390.