[Positive effects of wheat bran for digestive health; scientific evidence]

Wheat bran (ST) is very rich in insoluble fiber, consisting mainly arabinoxylans and, to a lesser extent, cellulose and β-glucans, as well as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants polyphenolic. The ST is involved in the regulation of gastrointestinal physiology and health: delayed gastric emptying and intestinal transit speeds and increases fecal bulk. The ST has an effect on faecal bulking greater than other grains such as oats or vegetables and fruits. However, phytic acid present in the bran may reduce the absorption of certain minerals (Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn), due to formation phytate-mineral complexes. Different studies have shown that consumption of bran has protective effect against different diseases: cardiovascular, obesity and some gastrointestinal diseases, including constipation, diverticular disease and colorectal cancer, among others. In Spain the consumption of fiber (18 g/day on average) is below the recommended (30 g/day), so the increased consumption of foods with wheat bran help achieve this recommendation and reduce the incidence of diseases associated a low intake of fiber.