Author(s): Dr. Sweta Vyas

Abstract:
In country like India, majority population is vegetarian. Carbohydrates constitute the main source of calories which in turn causing hyperglycemia and diabetes. To overcome such problems, fiber diets play an important role. So the present study was conducted "The effect of guar fibers on carbohydrate metabolism". The study was conducted on 20 normal healthy subjects by feeding them 20 gm roasted guar legumes per day for 20 days. The blood samples were analyzed for blood glucose and total serum cholesterol before and after intake of guar fibers. The fasting blood glucose level was found to be reduced after intake of guar legumes. This might be due to gelling properties of guar fibers that retarded the digestion of carbohydrates resulting in decreased blood glucose level. Similarly serum cholesterol level was also reduced after intake of guar legumes. This might be due to the fact that guar fiber bound the cholesterol and retarded its absorption, resulting in decreased serum cholesterol level.