Fibre or Roughage: Fibre or roughage has no nutrient value. Hence, it is included in the non-nutritive components of diet. It is the undigested part of the food or it can be said that it cannot be digested by the human intestinal tract. It consists of water and improves intestinal function by adding bulk to food. It satisfies the appetite. It helps to correct the disorders oflarge intestine. It prevents constipation. Roughage or fibre can be divided into two categories, i.e., soluble and insoluble fibres. Soluble fibres can dissolve in water, whereas, insoluble fibre can't. The soluble fibre reduces blood sugar fluctuation and lowers cholesterol. Insoluble fibre is a good stool softener. Usually 30 grams of fibre is recommended for an adult per day. Both types of roughage or fibre are equally significant for human beings. Fibre is helpful in decreasing the risk of heart disease and in preventing certain types of cancer.
Sources: Whole wheat, fresh fruits, root, vegetables, oats, connective tissues of meat and fish are very good sources of roughage.
Water: Water is also an essential component of diet. Even blood comprises 90% of. water. Water in the blood helps in the transportation of the nutrients to various cells of the body. Water is also significant in the excretion of waste products. It also regulates the body temperature. Our body loses approximately 2% of our body weight as water per day. We recover this loss of l water by drinking water l and by intake of food substances. Water also functions as a lubricant, keeps the skin moist and protects the body from shock. Generally, about 20% of water intake comes from food and remaining intake comes from drinking water. It is excreted from the body in various forms such as urine, faeces, sweat.and water vapour in the exhaled breath.