Question

What are the main sources of roughage?

Answer 1

Hint: We humans are omnivorous. We eat almost everything from spinach, lentils from the plant kingdom to chicken and dairy products from the animal kingdom. We have a diversified diet that consists of everything- carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, fats, antioxidants, etc. Now roughage is defined as those food materials or supplements that our body cannot digest. But they play an important physiological role to keep our digestive system fit.

Complete answer:
Roughage consist of indigestible materials that are taken by us along with diet. For example, fruit peels, husks, whole grains, seeds, etc. Fruit peels are good sources of cellulose, a compound which is indigestible.
Thus, roughage contains indigestible fibers.
Now these fibers are of two types: Soluble and Insoluble.
Sources of soluble fibers are chia seeds, oats, husks of isabgol seeds, etc.
Sources of insoluble fibers are whole grain foods, wheat, corn, legumes, nuts, skins of fruits and vegetables, some fruits like Avogadro, etc.

Note:
The soluble fibers in the large intestine absorb water and become gel-like. The bacteria present in the colon then act upon it and use it as a food source. The bacteria in return release vitamin K and other useful biotic compounds which are of immense benefit to us. The gel-like soluble fibers also bind to the food particles and help in relieving constipation and acidity issues.
The insoluble fibers increase the bulk of the feces which stimulate defecation. They also wrap up the food stuff together.
Not eating enough fiber can affect our health and invite many gastrointestinal problems like constipation, obesity, etc.