Roughage

A carbohydrate contained in plant foods such as fruits, legumes, vegetables, and whole grains that cannot be fully digested. Commonly referred to as dietary fiber, roughage aids to add bulk to a diet, assisting digestion and daily elimination functions. Fiber makes a person feel full after eating, thus helping those who are on diets to lower their consumption of foods. Since it is unable to be absorbed by the body, it contains no calories. There are two types of roughage or fiber: water soluble (i.e., cellulose, hemicellulose, and lingnin) and water insoluble (i.e., gum and pectin). Each plays a role in providing a health benefit to our bodies.