Fiber-rich Fraction Research Articles

Valorizing date seeds through ultrasonication to enhance quality attributes of dough and biscuit: Part 2 – Study on bioactive properties, sensory acceptance, in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and shelf life of biscuits

Aligning with sustainable food system development, in this study, date seeds were utilized to formulate value-added biscuits. Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was employed as a non-thermal method to extract polyphenolic compounds from small, medium and large particles of defatted date seed powder (DDSP). The remaining fiber-rich fraction (residue) was further utilized. Water content in biscuit formulation was replaced by the extract, and the fiber-rich fraction was substituted at three substitution levels; 2.5 %, 5 % and 7.5 %. Effects of baking on bioactive properties of dough, nutrient composition, sensory analysis, bioaccessibility of polyphenols, and shelf-life of biscuits were analyzed. Total phenolic content (TPC) increased in dough and biscuit with incorporated fiber-rich fraction. TPC of dough decreased with increasing particle size of fiber-rich fraction while biscuits exhibited an opposite trend. Similar tendency was observed with antioxidant activity of dough and biscuit. TPC was higher in biscuits than dough, with the highest values of 0.46 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g and 2.26 mg GAE/g in dough and biscuit, respectively. Fiber and moisture contents in biscuits increased while protein content decreased with fortification. Consumers showed moderate acceptance of fortified biscuits. Bioaccessibility index of polyphenols upon gastrointestinal digestion was high in biscuits with 5 % and 7.5 % substitution of small and medium sized particles of fiber-rich fraction. Phenolic retention increased with fiber fortification and at the end of 6 months the lowest thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) value of 18.23 nmol malondialdehyde (MDA)/g sample, was observed in 7.5 % large particle substituted biscuit. Thus, utilizing date seeds in the form of green extracted polyphenols and fiber-rich fraction, as functional and bioactive ingredients highlight sustainable processing and utilization of date-fruit processing by-products.

High-fiber basil seed flour reduces insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis in high-fat diet mice

The incidence of insulin resistance (IR) and hepatic steatosis is increasing, with dietary fiber playing a protective role against these disorders. Ocimum basilicum L., widely used in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, but their health-promoting properties remain underexplored. This study evaluated the effects of a fiber-rich fraction of partially defatted basil seeds (BSF) on IR, hepatic steatosis, and polyunsaturated fatty acid and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) profiles in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed C57BL/6 J male mice. Mice were assigned to four groups and fed either a control diet or HFD, supplemented with BSF or oat flour for 4 weeks. HFD induced IR, hepatic steatosis, proinflammatory state, and a significant decreased in SCFA production. In contrast, supplementation with BSF attenuated IR, steatosis, liver damage, oxidative stress, and inflammation, while increasing n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in liver, adipocytes, and erythrocytes, and enhancing SCFA production, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits in managing these conditions.

Effects of cooking and market classes on nutritional and antioxidant properties of dry bean flours and soluble dietary fiber-rich fractions

Dry beans are a rich source of proteins, starch, dietary fiber, and phenolic compounds, thus exhibiting potential health benefits. Fractionating dry beans, especially soluble dietary fiber (SDF), could be considered a valuable functional food ingredient. This study investigated the effects of pinto and black dry bean market classes and atmospheric pressure cooking on the physicochemical attributes of dry bean flours and the extraction and characterization of SDF-rich fractions. Cooking significantly (p < 0.05) increased the dietary fiber content, altering the macronutrient profile. Raw flours exhibited higher levels of extractable phenols and antioxidant capacity, while cooked flours had more hydrolyzable phenols and associated antioxidant activities. Pinto beans were found to have higher levels of slowly digestible starch (23.76%) and resistant starch (5.24%) compared to black beans (20.63% and 3.22%, respectively). The SDF-rich fraction from cooked flours showed a reduced residual protein content and included pectic polysaccharides, hemicelluloses, and raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs), with cooking affecting their molecular weight distribution. These fractions demonstrated shear-thinning behavior and temperature-dependent viscosity. The study highlights the significant influence of market class and cooking process on the nutritional and antioxidant properties of dry beans, suggesting their potential contributions to dietary health.

Analysis of factors influencing GFRP shredding energy consumption and the physical properties of the resulting recyclates

Glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) remains the dominant composite produced globally due to its low cost, high specific mechanical properties and chemical resistance performances. These unique features, however, impose significant recycling challenges for their end-of-life parts. Although there are various recycling technologies available, all of them require the waste GFRP to be reduced in size in order to enhance the recycling process efficiency. In this work, a full factorial design analysis was conducted to identify factors that influenced specific shredding energy consumption, average physical size and resin content of shredded GFRP recyclates. Factors investigated were glass fibre fabric architecture in GFRP wastes (non-crimp and nonwoven), GFRP waste feed rate (10–60 kg/h) and screen aperture of the shredding process (6–20 mm). It was observed that specific shredding energy was not significantly affected by the fabric architecture but could be reduced by opting for larger screen aperture and/or lower feed rate. However, improvement to shredding energy efficiency was achieved if 6 mm diameter screen was selected together with 60 kg/h feed rate. The 60 kg/h feed rate was found to be ideal in reducing oversize recyclates content but did not affect the median particle size of the remaining recyclates, which was found to be influenced by screen aperture and fabric architecture. Resin-rich and fibre-rich fractions were identified from the recyclates. The resin content of the former was found to be sensitive to all the studied factors.

Persimmon Fiber-Rich Ingredients Promote Anti-Inflammatory Responses and the Growth of Beneficial Anti-Inflammatory Firmicutes Species from the Human Colon.

Persimmon fruit processing-derived waste and by-products, such as peels and pomace, are important sources of dietary fiber and phytochemicals. Revalorizing these by-products could help promote circular nutrition and agricultural sustainability while tackling dietary deficiencies and chronic diseases. In this study, fiber-rich fractions were prepared from the by-products of Sharoni and Brilliant Red persimmon varieties. These fractions were quantified for their phenolic composition and assessed for their ability to promote the growth of beneficial human colonic Firmicutes species and for their in vitro anti-inflammatory potential. Gallic and protocatechuic acids, delphinidin, and cyanidin were the main phenolics identified. Faecalibacterium prausnitzii strains showed significantly higher growth rates in the presence of the Brilliant Red fraction, generating more than double butyrate as a proportion of the total short-chain fatty acids (39.5% vs. 17.8%) when compared to glucose. The fiber-rich fractions significantly decreased the inflammatory effect of interleukin-1β in Caco-2 cells, and the fermented fractions (both from Sharoni and Brilliant Red) significantly decreased the inflammatory effect of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α in the RAW 264.7 cells. Therefore, fiber-rich fractions from persimmon by-products could be part of nutritional therapies as they reduce systemic inflammation, promote the growth of beneficial human gut bacteria, and increase the production of beneficial microbial metabolites such as butyrate.

Impact of dietary fiber fraction of chia seed supplementation on hepatic steatosis and other metabolic disturbances in a high-fat diet model

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), characterized by hepatic triglyceride elevation is prevalent globally and often leads to significant consequences such as steatosis and hepatocarcinoma. In association with insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and inflammation, effective interventions are essential. Dietary fiber plays a crucial role in regulating these metabolic parameters. Chia (Salvia hispanica L.), a fiber-rich oilseed, is known for its high fiber content. This study assessed the impact of the fiber-rich fraction of partially defatted chia seeds (FFC) on hepatic steatosis and metabolic disturbances induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) in mice. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed either a control diet (CD) or HFD for 10 weeks, followed by FFC or oatmeal supplementation for an additional 4 weeks. FFC intake significantly reduced hepatic steatosis, lowered triglyceride and cholesterol levels, normalized plasma triglycerides, decreased oxidative stress, and attenuated inflammation. FFC has emerged as a promising candidate for managing hepatic steatosis.

Towards dry fractionation of soybean meal into protein and dietary fiber concentrates

Tribo-electrostatic separation of hexane-defatted soybean flour was studied to produce protein- and fiber-rich fractions. The separation was carried out under laminar and turbulent airflow rates and plate voltages ranging from ±1 to ±6.5 kV. The combination of laminar airflow rate and high plate voltage resulted in the highest yield of protein and fiber particles with modest enrichment levels. Accordingly, the soybean flour was enriched in protein from 55.3 to 58.4% and fiber from 15.4 to 19.6%, accounting for 44.4 and 16.8% protein and fiber separation efficiencies, respectively. The distribution of protein and fiber along the negatively charged electrode showed no significant difference in terms of enrichment level. Still, more protein and fiber particles accumulated at the bottom of the electrode, according to the yield results. At 7 LPM and ±6.5 kV, a direct relationship was found between protein content and the average particle size of the fractions. In contrast, a reverse relationship was found for the fiber content. • Soybean meal flour was fractionated via dry tribo-electrostatic separation. • The impact of voltage and flow rate on protein and fiber enrichment was investigated. • Laminar airflow and high voltage resulted in modest protein and fiber enrichments. • Protein and particle size of the fractions were directly correlated at laminar flow. • The protein and fiber were uniformly enriched along the negative electrode.

Dietary-Fibre-Rich Fractions Isolated from Broccoli Stalks as a Potential Functional Ingredient with Phenolic Compounds and Glucosinolates.

The Brassica oleracea industry generates large amounts of by-products to which value could be added because of the characteristics of their composition. The aim was to extract different fibre fractions from broccoli stalks to obtain potential new added-value ingredients. Using an ethanol and water extraction procedure, two fibre-rich fractions (total fibre fraction, TFB, and insoluble fibre fraction, IFB) were obtained. These fractions were analysed to determine the nutritional, (poly)phenols and glucosinolates composition and physicochemical properties, comparing the results with those of freeze-dried broccoli stalks (DBS). Although TFB showed a higher content of total dietary fibre, IFB had the same content of insoluble dietary fibre as TFB (54%), better hydration properties, higher content of glucosinolates (100 mg/100 g d.w.) and (poly)phenols (74.7 mg/100 g d.w.). The prebiotic effect was evaluated in IFB and compared with DBS by in vitro fermentation with human faecal slurries. After 48 h, the short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production was higher with IFB than with DBS because of the greater presence of both uronic acids, the main component of pectin, and (poly)phenols. These results reveal that novel fibre-rich ingredients-with antioxidant, technological and physiological effects-could be obtained from broccoli stalks by using green extraction methods.

Upgrading Common Wheat Pasta by Fiber-Rich Fraction of Potato Peel Byproduct at Different Particle Sizes: Effects on Physicochemical, Thermal, and Sensory Properties.

Fiber-enriched food has numerous health benefits. This study develops functional fiber-enriched pasta (FEP) by partially substituting wheat flour for alcohol-insoluble residue prepared from potato processing byproducts (AIR-PPB) at various particle sizes (PS). The independent variables’ effects, AIR-PPB at 2–15% substitution levels, and PS 40–250 µm were investigated in terms of chemical, cooking, thermal, and sensory properties. AIR-PPB is rich in total dietary fibers (TDF) (83%), exhibiting high water-holding capacity (WHC) and vibrant colors. Different concentrations of AIR-PPB increase TDF content in FEPs by 7–21 times compared to the control pasta (CP). Although the optimal cooking time (OCT) decreases by 15–18% compared to CP, where a lower OCT should reduce cooking time and save energy, cooking loss (Cl) increases slightly but remains within an acceptable range of 8%. Additionally, AIR-PPB altered the texture properties of FEP, with a moderate decrease in mass increase index (MII), firmness, and stickiness. AIR-PPB impairs the gluten network’s structure in pasta due to AIR-PPB’s WHC, which competes with starch for water binding, increasing the starch gelatinization temperature. FEPs show an increased lightness and yellowness and improved sensory properties. Highly acceptable FEPs were obtained for the following substitution levels: FEP11 (AIR-PPB at 2% and PS of 145 µm), FEP9 (AIR-PPB 4% level with PS of 70 µm), FEP6 (AIR-PPB of 4% level with 219 µm PS), and FEP1 (AIR-PPB = 8.5% with 40 µm PS), as compared to other FEPs.

Faba Bean Fractions for 3D Printing of Protein-, Starch- and Fibre-Rich Foods

Food 3D printing allows for the production of personalised foods in terms of shape and nutrition. In this study, we examined whether protein-, starch- and fibre-rich fractions extracted from faba beans can be combined to produce fibre- and protein-rich printable food inks for extrusion-based 3D printing. Small amplitude oscillatory shear measurements were used to characterise the inks while compression tests and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterise the freeze-dried samples. We found that rheological parameters such as storage modulus, loss tangent and yield stress were related to ink printability and shape stability. Investigations on the effect of ink composition, infill pattern (honeycomb/grid) and direction of compression on textural and microstructural properties of freeze-dried 3D-printed objects revealed no clear effect of infill pattern, but a strong effect of direction of compression. Microstructure heterogeneity seemed to be correlated with the textural properties of the printed objects.

Some physicochemical and functional properties of the rich fibrous fraction of hardened beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and its addition in the formulation of beverages

After the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is harvested, if an inadequate postharvest handling takes place, the hardening of the grain is favored, reducing its commercial quality and sensory acceptance. From these rejected grains, the fiber-rich fraction (FRF) can be extracted and incorporated into the preparation of functional beverages, since it has been proven that the intake of dietary fiber has a beneficial effect against chronic–degenerative diseases in the consuming organism. The present work is aimed at evaluating FRF's physicochemical properties to later use it in the elaboration of a chocolate-flavored drink and to evaluate its acceptance. The predominant type of fiber in FRF was insoluble dietary fiber. Its functional properties showed that it has a high water held and absorption capacities. Three chocolate-flavored powders added with FRF in concentrations of 10, 20 and 30% were formulated, observing that the incorporation of FRF reduced the amount of fat and nitrogen-free extract (p < 0.05), hence having a favorable impact on energy reduction. The sensory evaluation indicated approval for the drinks formulated with the powdered chocolate added with the FRF. Therefore, this fraction can be a material with potential use as a functional additive with beneficial effects on consumers' health.

Methane production and bromatological characteristics of the different fractions of organic municipal solid waste

In some countries, garden trimmings are not considered part of urban solid wastes. Lignocellulosic substances contribute to heterogeneity, complicating the analysis of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) and, subsequently, for methane production. Some of the substances contained in OFMSW are readily biodegradable, and others are not. This work analyses OFMSW from Mexico City and the methane production from its separate components. From OFMSW, nine fractions were visually identified and separated. Including bromatological and fibre analysis, the characterisation of OFMSW and its components was made to determine how the different substances influence methane production. Together, branches, dry leaves, fresh garden trimmings, unsorted wastes (mainly garden trimmings), kitchen paper, and waste vegetables represent 56 % of OFMSW in weight. Fruit waste and unsorted organics contribute to 60 % of the total methane production. Except for branches and dry leaves, methane production increases inversely with the content of lignocellulosic compounds. Animal waste, having the highest concentrations of proteins and lipids and the lowest in lignocellulosic substances, is characterised by the highest level of methane production. Fibre-rich fractions in OFMSW contributed with little or no methane production. Higher concentrations of lignocellulosic substances in the fractions resulted in lower methane production rates.

Effect of Fenugreek fiber on Rheological and chapati making quality of whole wheat flour.

Increase in awareness of consumers and demand has led to the development of various fibre rich food products from different fiber source. In the present work novel roller milled fenugreek fiber rich fraction (FFRF) rich in galactomannans was used for the development of high fiber chapati. Farinograph water absorption and dough stability increased with increase in the addition of FFRF in blends. The creep measurement results showed reduction in the maximum creep compliance and viscoelastic compliance while the zero shear viscosity showed the increasing trend with the increase in the addition of FFRF. The pliability of chapatis significantly decreased on addition of FFRF. The sensory evaluation concluded that the chapati with 10% FFRF is acceptable. The shear force value of chapatis prepared from the control and WWF-FFRF blends were decreased as the storage time increased showing brittleness in the chapatis. The micrographs of an outer layer of chapati (crust) showed partially gelatinized starch. The crumb micrographs of the WWF-FFRF blends chapatis showed large and small starch granules coated with galactomannans gums, and this coating increased with increased addition of FFRF. The composition of 10% fenugreek fiber chapati contained higher amount of minerals, insoluble and soluble dietary fiber compared to that of control sample. The in vitro starch digestibility of formulated chapati showed significant decrease in the values.

Preparation and physicochemical properties of fiber-rich fraction from pineapple peels as a potential ingredient

Pineapple (Ananas comosus L. Merr.) peels as agricultural wastes represent around 35% of the whole fruit mass. By different preparation methods, the pineapple peel fiber was analyzed and evaluated for its composition and functional properties, which would provide a clue to its physiological function. The pineapple peel contained an appreciable amount of insoluble fiber-rich fraction (FRF) (41.8-48.0 g/100 g) including insoluble dietary fiber (IDF), alcohol-insoluble solids (AIS), and water-insoluble solids (WIS), which primarily consisted of cellulose, pectic substances and hemicellulose. These fractions also contained notable proportions of lignin (60.7-65.8 g/100 g). Compared with cellulose, these FRFs exhibited the greater water- and oil-holding capacities (7.94-12.3 mL/g and 5.84-8.64 g/g, respectively), swelling properties (10.6-18.4 mL/g), and cation-exchange capacities (102-120 mequiv/kg). The results indicate that the physicochemical properties of various fibers are dependent on the preparation method and composition. Every insoluble FRF studied possesses interesting characteristics, suggesting possible uses in the development of functional food ingredients for reduction of calories or dietary fiber enrichment.

Bio-Functional and Structural Properties of Pasta Enriched with a Debranning Fraction from Purple Wheat.

A colored and fiber-rich fraction from the debranning of purple wheat was incorporated at 25% into semolina- and flour-based pasta produced on a pilot-plant scale, with the aim of increasing anthocyanin and total phenolic content with respect to pasta obtained from whole pigmented grains. The debranning fraction impaired the formation of disulfide-stabilized protein networks in semolina-based systems. Recovery of phenolics was impaired by the pasta making process, and cooking decreased the phenolic content in both enriched samples. Cooking-related losses in anthocyanins and total phenolics were similar, but anthocyanins in the cooked semolina-based pasta were around 20% of what was expected from the formulation. HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) profiling of phenolics was carried out on extracts from either type of enriched pasta both before and after cooking and indicate possible preferential retention of specific compounds in each type of enriched pasta. Extracts from cooked samples of either enriched pasta were tested as inhibitors of enzymes involved in glucose metabolism and uptake, as well as for their capacity of suppressing the response to inflammatory stimuli. Results of both biological tests indicate that the phenolics in extracts from both cooked pasta samples had inhibitory capacities higher than extracts of the original debranning fraction at identical concentrations of total bioactives.

Effects of roller and hammer milling on the yield and physicochemical properties of fibre-rich fractions from biofortified and non-biofortified hull-less barley

This study was carried out to compare fibre-rich fractions (FRF) yields of two milling systems from hull-less barley cv. Yalin with and without biofortification (Yalin (+) and (−)) and investigate effect of biofortification (Zn, I, Se) on composition and physicochemical properties of fractions. Biofortification increased Zn, I, Se contents considerably. FRF yields of roller mill (FRFR) were 55.2 and 56.2 g/100g while those of hammer mill (FRFH) were 43.7 and 45.9 g/100g for Yalin (−) and Yalin (+), respectively. Pin-milling was applied for further enrichment. The yields of enriched fraction E-FRFR were 25.9 and 26.0 g/100g while yields of enriched fraction E-FRFH were 22.8 and 24.1 g/100g for Yalin (−) and Yalin (+), respectively. Beta-glucan contents of FRFR were 7.20 and 6.91 g/100g while those of FRFH were 8.91 and 8.09 g/100g for Yalin (−) and Yalin (+), respectively. Similarly, beta-glucan contents of E-FRFR were 12.91 and 12.33 g/100g while those of E-FRFH were 14.17 and 13.02 g/100g for Yalin (−) and Yalin (+), respectively. Enrichment increased RVA viscosities, porosities and decreased bulk densities, mass median diameters and dispersions. It can be concluded that barley grains that underwent biofortification can also be employed to give β-glucan enriched milling fractions.

Chemical and technological properties of bologna-type sausages with added black quinoa wet-milling coproducts as binder replacer

The objective of this study was to evaluate different strategies for adding 3% black quinoa (either as whole seeds or as a fiber-rich fraction of quinoa from its wet-milling process) to bologna-type sausage. This addition was evaluated in terms of its influence on nutritional composition and technological properties (emulsion stability, pH, water activity, color changes, textural properties, residual nitrite level and lipid oxidation). Both strategies resulted in commercially feasible sausages with increased nutritive properties (dietary fiber) and with some modifications in their technological properties. Compared with control sausages, they showed better emulsion stability, lower water activity and lipid oxidation values (interesting properties for sausages shelf-life). Color changes were more evident when the fiber-rich fraction was added. The residual nitrite level increased with the addition of quinoa so that it would be necessary to incorporate less nitrites, or it might even be unnecessary, contributing to the production of more natural products.

Isolation of red quinoa fibre by wet and dry milling and application as a potential functional bakery ingredient

Quinoa is recognised internationally for its nutritional and health properties. It has interesting attributes, such as being an excellent source of fibre and polyphenols and being gluten-free, and therefore this grain is used as a replacement for cereals. The main aim of this work was to study the effect of two milling methods, wet and dry, to obtain a dietary fibre-rich fraction from red Quinoa Real, and to determine its potential as a functional ingredient in bakery products. Wet milling produced a higher yield (10.1%) and recovery (58.2%) of the fibre fraction and higher purity (72%) than the values obtained by dry milling (9.1, 52.5 and 59%, respectively). With regard to functional properties, dry milling produced fibre with higher total antioxidant activity than that obtained by wet milling (FRAP: 1.1 times more). The fibre-rich fractions obtained by the two processes did not differ considerably in terms of colour, but the process affected their granulometry, which was lowest in the fibre obtained by wet milling, and the dispersity was greatest. Moreover, the bread products made with a 5% incorporation of either of the two fibres presented enrichment in terms of nutrients, dietary fibre and antioxidant capacity in comparison with the control sample. The inclusion of fibre isolated by dry milling produced bread products of higher technological quality with regard to specific loaf volume and less crumb firmness.

Effect of dietary fiber-rich fractions on texture, thermal, water distribution, and gluten properties of frozen dough during storage

The effect of dietary fiber-rich fractions on the texture, thermal, water distribution, and gluten properties of frozen dough during storage was investigated. These fractions could greatly improve retention of the texture properties, which was mainly related to water loss, and changes in freezable water proportion (FW) and gluten secondary structure. Kinetic studies showed that the fractions could change the nucleation type and ice crystal growth rate, with konjac flour significantly decreasing the ice growth rate from 0.0177 to 0.0048. These fractions could decrease FW by 15%–27% and restrict water mobility during storage. Moreover, gluten β-sheets shifted toward β-turns, while the β-sheet values of potato and okara flours showed no significant change during storage. SEM confirmed that okara flour could suppress the deterioration of gluten. Generally, the potato, okara, and konjac flours represent excellent fortification materials that could improve the texture, reduce water mobility, and suppress deterioration of frozen dough during storage.

Grape peel powder promotes intestinal barrier homeostasis in acute TNBS-colitis: A major role for dietary fiber and fiber-bound polyphenols.

Inflammatory bowel diseases are characterized by impaired intestinal barrier function. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of grape peel powder (GPP) and its bioactive rich-fractions on the barrier function and colonic injury in a model of colitis induced by 2,4,6 trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). Wistar rats received diets supplemented with either GPP (8%), extractable polyphenols (EP), non-extractable polyphenols-rich fraction (NEP-F), or polyphenols-poor, fiber-rich fraction (F) from grapes at amounts equivalent to the GPP group during 15 days before and for 7 days after colitis induction. NEP-F has decreased the extension of colonic lesion but the other grape peel bioactive fractions did not protect against macroscopic or microscopic colonic damage, EP diet increased macroscopic colonic damage. GPP, EP, and NEP-F reduced claudin-2 mRNA expression, whereas GPP and F fraction increased occludin and ZO-1 mRNA expression. All experimental diets reduced the colitis-triggered increase of MMP-9 mRNA expression. Colitis reduced by 30% the production of cecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). GPP and NEP-F completely protected against this effect, whereas F fraction was ineffective. Only GPP and NEP-F were able to decrease the upregulation of GRP94 mRNA triggered by colitis. Dietary fiber seems to reestablish the intestinal barrier function, whereas fiber-bound phenolics were able to restore cecal metabolism to produce beneficial metabolites like SCFA and to reduce the activation of the unfolded protein response.