What does cellulose look like? What is fiber and how it is useful for the body. Substance types on sale

CELLULOSE
fiber, the main building material of the plant world, forming the cell walls of trees and other higher plants. The purest natural form of cellulose is cottonseed hairs.
Purification and isolation. Currently, only two sources of cellulose are of industrial importance - cotton and wood pulp. Cotton is almost pure cellulose and does not require complex processing to become the starting material for the manufacture of man-made fibers and non-fiber plastics. After the long fibers used to make cotton fabrics are separated from the cottonseed, short hairs, or "lint" (cotton fluff), 10-15 mm long, remain. The lint is separated from the seed, heated under pressure for 2-6 hours with a 2.5-3% sodium hydroxide solution, then washed, bleached with chlorine, washed again and dried. The resulting product is 99% pure cellulose. The yield is 80% (wt.) lint, and the rest is lignin, fats, waxes, pectates and seed husks. Wood pulp is usually made from the wood of coniferous trees. It contains 50-60% cellulose, 25-35% lignin and 10-15% hemicelluloses and non-cellulose hydrocarbons. In the sulphite process, wood chips are boiled under pressure (about 0.5 MPa) at 140°C with sulfur dioxide and calcium bisulfite. In this case, lignins and hydrocarbons go into solution and cellulose remains. After washing and bleaching, the cleaned mass is cast into loose paper, similar to blotting paper, and dried. Such a mass consists of 88-97% cellulose and is quite suitable for chemical processing into viscose fiber and cellophane, as well as into cellulose derivatives - esters and ethers. The process of regenerating cellulose from a solution by adding acid to its concentrated ammonium copper (i.e. containing copper sulfate and ammonium hydroxide) aqueous solution was described by the Englishman J. Mercer around 1844. But the first industrial application of this method, which marked the beginning of the copper-ammonia fiber industry, attributed to E. Schweitzer (1857), and its further development is the merit of M. Kramer and I. Schlossberger (1858). And only in 1892 Cross, Bevin and Beadle in England invented a process for obtaining viscose fiber: a viscous (whence the name viscose) aqueous solution of cellulose was obtained after treating cellulose first with a strong solution of sodium hydroxide, which gave "soda cellulose", and then with carbon disulfide (CS2 ), resulting in soluble cellulose xanthate. By squeezing a trickle of this "spinning" solution through a spinneret with a small round hole into an acid bath, the cellulose was regenerated in the form of a viscose fiber. When the solution was squeezed out into the same bath through a die with a narrow slit, a film was obtained, called cellophane. J. Brandenberger, who was engaged in this technology in France from 1908 to 1912, was the first to patent a continuous process for the manufacture of cellophane.
Chemical structure. Despite the widespread industrial use of cellulose and its derivatives, the currently accepted chemical structural formula of cellulose was proposed (W. Haworth) only in 1934. True, since 1913 its empirical formula C6H10O5 was known, determined from the data of a quantitative analysis of well-washed and dried samples : 44.4% C, 6.2% H and 49.4% O. Thanks to the work of G. Staudinger and K. Freudenberg, it was also known that this is a long-chain polymer molecule, consisting of those shown in Fig. 1 repeating glucosidic residues. Each unit has three hydroxyl groups - one primary (-CH2CHOH) and two secondary (>CHCHOH). By 1920, E.Fischer established the structure of simple sugars, and in the same year, X-ray studies of cellulose showed for the first time a clear diffraction pattern of its fibers. The X-ray diffraction pattern of the cotton fiber shows a well-defined crystalline orientation, but the flax fiber is even more ordered. When the cellulose is regenerated in fiber form, the crystallinity is largely lost. As it is easy to see in the light of modern science, the structural chemistry of cellulose practically stood still from 1860 to 1920, for the reason that all this time the auxiliary scientific disciplines necessary for solving the problem remained in their infancy.

REGENERATED CELLULOSE
Viscose fiber and cellophane. Both viscose fiber and cellophane are regenerated (from solution) cellulose. Purified natural cellulose is treated with an excess of concentrated sodium hydroxide; after removing the excess, its lumps are ground and the resulting mass is kept under carefully controlled conditions. With this "aging" the length of the polymer chains decreases, which contributes to the subsequent dissolution. Then crushed cellulose is mixed with carbon disulfide and the resulting xanthate is dissolved in a solution of sodium hydroxide to obtain "viscose" - a viscous solution. When viscose enters an aqueous acid solution, cellulose is regenerated from it. Simplified total reactions are as follows:

Viscose fiber, obtained by squeezing viscose through small holes in a spinneret into an acid solution, is widely used for the manufacture of clothing, drapery and upholstery fabrics, as well as in technology. Significant amounts of viscose fiber are used for technical belts, tapes, filters and tire cord.
Cellophane. Cellophane, obtained by extruding viscose into an acidic bath through a spinneret with a narrow gap, then passes through the washing, bleaching and plasticizing baths, passes through the dryer drums and is wound into a roll. The surface of cellophane film is almost always coated with nitrocellulose, resin, some kind of wax or lacquer to reduce the transmission of water vapor and provide thermal sealing, since uncoated cellophane does not have the property of thermoplasticity. In modern industries, polymer coatings of the polyvinylidene chloride type are used for this, since they are less moisture permeable and give a stronger connection during thermal sealing. Cellophane is widely used mainly in the packaging industry as a wrapping material for haberdashery, food products, tobacco products, and also as the basis for self-adhesive packaging tape.
Viscose sponge. Along with obtaining a fiber or film, viscose can be mixed with suitable fibrous and finely crystalline materials; after acid treatment and water leaching, this mixture is converted into a viscose sponge material (Fig. 2), which is used for packaging and thermal insulation.

Copper fiber. Fiber from regenerated cellulose is also produced on an industrial scale by dissolving cellulose in a concentrated ammonium copper solution (CuSO4 in NH4OH) and spinning the resulting solution into a fiber in an acid spinning bath. Such a fiber is called copper-ammonia.
PROPERTIES OF CELLULOSE
Chemical properties. As shown in fig. 1, cellulose is a high polymeric carbohydrate consisting of C6H10O5 glucosidic residues connected by ester bridges at position 1,4. The three hydroxyl groups on each glucopyranose unit can be esterified with organic agents such as a mixture of acids and acid anhydrides with an appropriate catalyst such as sulfuric acid. Ethers can be formed by the action of concentrated sodium hydroxide to form soda cellulose and subsequent reaction with an alkyl halide:

Reaction with ethylene or propylene oxide gives hydroxylated ethers:

The presence of these hydroxyl groups and the geometry of the macromolecule are responsible for the strong polar mutual attraction of neighboring units. The forces of attraction are so strong that conventional solvents are unable to break the chain and dissolve the cellulose. These free hydroxyl groups are also responsible for the high hygroscopicity of cellulose (Fig. 3). Etherification and etherization reduce hygroscopicity and increase solubility in common solvents.

Under the action of an aqueous solution of acid, oxygen bridges in the 1,4-position are broken. A complete break in the chain gives glucose, a monosaccharide. The initial chain length depends on the origin of the cellulose. It is maximum in the natural state and decreases in the process of isolation, purification and conversion into derivative compounds (see table).

CELLULOSE POLYMERIZATION DEGREE
Material Number of glucoside residues
Raw cotton 2500-3000
Cleaned cotton linter 900-1000
Purified wood pulp 800-1000
Regenerated cellulose 200-400
Industrial cellulose acetate 150-270

Even mechanical shear, for example during abrasive grinding, leads to a decrease in the length of the chains. When the polymer chain length decreases below a certain minimum value, the macroscopic physical properties of cellulose change. Oxidizing agents affect cellulose without causing cleavage of the glucopyranose ring (Fig. 4). The subsequent action (in the presence of moisture, for example, in environmental tests), as a rule, leads to chain scission and an increase in the number of aldehyde-like end groups. Since aldehyde groups are easily oxidized to carboxyl groups, the content of carboxyl, which is practically absent in natural cellulose, increases sharply under atmospheric conditions and oxidation.

Like all polymers, cellulose is destroyed under the influence of atmospheric factors as a result of the combined action of oxygen, moisture, acidic components of the air and sunlight. The ultraviolet component of sunlight is important, and many good UV protection agents increase the life of cellulose derivative products. Acidic components of the air, such as nitrogen and sulfur oxides (which are always present in the atmospheric air of industrial areas), accelerate decomposition, often with a stronger effect than sunlight. For example, in England, it was noted that samples of cotton, tested for exposure to atmospheric conditions, in winter, when there was practically no bright sunlight, degraded faster than in summer. The fact is that the burning of large amounts of coal and gas in winter led to an increase in the concentration of nitrogen and sulfur oxides in the air. Acid scavengers, antioxidants, and UV-absorbing agents reduce the sensitivity of cellulose to weathering. Substitution of free hydroxyl groups leads to a change in this sensitivity: cellulose nitrate degrades faster, while acetate and propionate degrade more slowly.
physical properties. Cellulose polymer chains are packed into long bundles, or fibers, in which, along with ordered, crystalline, there are also less ordered, amorphous sections (Fig. 5). The measured percentage of crystallinity depends on the type of pulp, as well as on the method of measurement. According to x-ray data, it ranges from 70% (cotton) to 38-40% (viscose fiber). X-ray structural analysis provides information not only on the quantitative ratio between crystalline and amorphous material in the polymer, but also on the degree of fiber orientation caused by stretching or normal growth processes. The sharpness of the diffraction rings characterizes the degree of crystallinity, while the diffraction spots and their sharpness characterize the presence and degree of preferred orientation of crystallites. In a sample of recycled cellulose acetate obtained by the "dry" spinning process, both the degree of crystallinity and orientation are very small. In the triacetate sample, the degree of crystallinity is greater, but there is no preferred orientation. Heat treatment of triacetate at a temperature of 180-240 ° C significantly increases the degree of its crystallinity, and orientation (drawing) in combination with heat treatment gives the most ordered material. Linen exhibits a high degree of both crystallinity and orientation.
see also
CHEMISTRY ORGANIC;
PAPER AND OTHER WRITING MATERIALS ;
PLASTICS.

Rice. 5. MOLECULAR STRUCTURE of cellulose. Molecular chains pass through several micelles (crystalline regions) of length L. Here A, A" and B" are the ends of the chains lying in the crystallized region; B - chain end outside the crystallized region.

LITERATURE
Bushmelev V.A., Volman N.S. Processes and devices of pulp and paper production. M., 1974 Cellulose and its derivatives. M., 1974 Akim E.L. etc. Technology of processing and processing of cellulose, paper and cardboard. L., 1977

Collier Encyclopedia. - Open Society. 2000 .

Cellulose is a derivative of two natural substances: wood and cotton. In plants, it performs an important function, giving them flexibility and strength.

Where is the substance found?

Cellulose is a natural substance. Plants are able to produce it on their own. The composition contains: hydrogen, oxygen, carbon.

Plants produce sugar under the influence of sunlight, it is processed by cells and enables the fibers to withstand high loads from the wind. Cellulose is a substance involved in the process of photosynthesis. If sugar water is sprinkled on a cut of a fresh tree, the liquid is quickly absorbed.

The production of cellulose begins. This natural method of obtaining it is taken as the basis for the production of cotton fabric on an industrial scale. There are several methods by which pulp of various qualities is obtained.

Manufacturing Method #1

Cellulose is obtained naturally from cotton seeds. The hairs are collected by automated mechanisms, but a long growing period is required for the plant. Fabric produced in this way is considered the purest.

More quickly, cellulose can be obtained from wood fibers. However, the quality is much worse with this method. This material is suitable only for the manufacture of non-fiber plastic, cellophane. Also, artificial fibers can be produced from such material.

natural receiving

The production of cellulose from cotton seeds begins with the separation of long fibers. This material is used to make cotton fabric. Small parts, less than 1.5 cm, are called

They are suitable for the production of cellulose. The assembled parts are subjected to high pressure heating. The duration of the process can be up to 6 hours. Before starting to heat the material, sodium hydroxide is added to it.

The resulting substance must be washed. For this, chlorine is used, which also bleaches. The composition of cellulose with this method is the purest (99%).

Manufacturing method No. 2 from wood

To obtain 80-97% of cellulose, coniferous wood chips and chemicals are used. The whole mass is mixed and subjected to temperature treatment. As a result of cooking, the required substance is released.

Calcium bisulfite, sulfur dioxide and wood pulp are mixed. Cellulose in the resulting mixture is not more than 50%. As a result of the reaction, hydrocarbons and lignins dissolve in the liquid. The solid material goes through a purification stage.

Get a mass resembling low-quality paper. This material serves as the basis for the manufacture of substances:

• Efirov.
• cellophane.
• Viscose fiber.

What is produced from valuable material?

Fibrous, which allows you to make clothes from it. Cotton material is a 99.8% natural product obtained by the natural method above. It can also be used to make explosives as a result of a chemical reaction. Cellulose is active when acids are applied to it.

The properties of cellulose are applicable to the production of fabrics. So, artificial fibers are made from it, resembling natural fabrics in appearance and to the touch:

• viscose and;
• artificial fur;
• copper-ammonia silk.

Mostly from wood pulp are made:

• varnishes;
• photographic film;
• paper products;
• plastics;
• sponges for washing dishes;
• smokeless powder.

As a result of a chemical reaction, cellulose is obtained:

• trinitrocellulose;
• dinitrocellulose;
• glucose;
• liquid fuel.

Cellulose can also be used in food. Some plants (celery, lettuce, bran) contain its fibers. It also serves as a material for the production of starch. We have already learned how to make thin threads from it - an artificial web is very durable and does not stretch.

The chemical formula of cellulose is C6H10O5. It is a polysaccharide. It is made from:

• medical cotton;
• bandages;
• tampons;
• cardboard, chipboard;
• food additive E460.

Advantages of the substance

Cellulose is able to withstand high temperatures up to 200 degrees. The molecules do not break down, which makes it possible to make reusable plastic dishes from it. At the same time, an important quality is preserved - elasticity.

Cellulose withstands prolonged exposure to acids. Absolutely insoluble in water. Not digested by the human body, used as a sorbent.

Microcrystalline cellulose is used in alternative medicine as a digestive system cleanser. The powdered substance acts as a food additive to reduce the calorie content of the meals consumed. This contributes to the removal of toxins, lowering sugar and cholesterol in the blood.

Manufacturing method No. 3 - industrial

On production sites, pulp is prepared by cooking in various environments. The material used depends on the type of reagent - the type of wood:

• Resinous rocks.
• Deciduous trees.
• Plants.

There are several types of reagents for cooking:

• Otherwise, the method is referred to as sulfite. As a solution, a salt of sulfurous acid or its liquid mixture is used. With this production option, cellulose is isolated from coniferous species. Fir and spruce are well processed.
• The alkaline medium or soda method is based on the use of sodium hydroxide. The solution well separates cellulose from the fibers of plants (corn stalks) and trees (mainly deciduous).
• The simultaneous use of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide is used in the sulfate method. It is widely introduced into the production of white liquor sulfide. The technology is quite negative for the environment due to the formation of third-party chemical reactions.

The last method is the most common because of its versatility: pulp can be obtained from almost any tree. However, the purity of the material is not quite high after one boil. Impurities are removed by additional reactions:

• hemicelluloses are removed with alkaline solutions;
• lignin macromolecules and products of their destruction are removed with chlorine followed by treatment with alkali.

The nutritional value

Starch and cellulose have a similar structure. As a result of the experiments, it was possible to obtain a product from inedible fibers. He needs a person constantly. The food consumed consists of more than 20% starch.

Scientists managed to obtain amylose from cellulose, which has a positive effect on the state of the human body. At the same time, glucose is released during the reaction. It turns out waste-free production - the last substance is sent for the manufacture of ethanol. Amylose also serves as a means of preventing obesity.

As a result of the reaction, cellulose remains in a solid state, settling to the bottom of the vessel. The remaining components are removed using magnetic nanoparticles or dissolved and removed with the liquid.

Substance types on sale

Suppliers offer pulp of different quality at reasonable prices. We list the main types of material:

• Cellulose sulfate white, produced from two types of wood: coniferous and hardwood. There is unbleached material used in packaging material, poor quality paper for insulating materials and other uses.
• Sulfite is also commercially available in white, made from coniferous trees.
• White powder material is suitable for the production of medical substances.
• Premium grade cellulose is produced by bleaching without the participation of chlorine. Conifers are taken as raw materials. The wood pulp consists of a combination of spruce and pine chips in a ratio of 20/80%. The purity of the resulting material is the highest. It is suitable for the manufacture of sterile materials used in medicine.

To select the appropriate pulp, standard criteria are used: material purity, tensile strength, fiber length, tear resistance index. The chemical state or aggressiveness of the aqueous extract medium and humidity are also quantitatively indicated. For pulp supplied in the form of bleached pulp, other indicators are applicable: specific volume, brightness, grind size, tensile strength, purity.

An important indicator for the mass of cellulose is the tear resistance index. The purpose of the materials produced depends on it. Take into account used as a raw material, and humidity. The level of resins and fats is also important. Powder uniformity is important for certain process applications. For similar purposes, the toughness and bursting strength of a sheet material is evaluated.

Fiber or dietary fiber, according to nutritionists, should be present daily in the human diet. It is found only in plant foods. But man stubbornly strives to replace vegetable food with food of animal origin.

Dietary fibers do not represent energy value, but they contain a lot of necessary substances that are of great benefit to the body. What is fiber, its importance, benefits and harms, today in our article.

It is believed that in order to ensure a normal and healthy existence, a person needs to build his diet in such a way that 80% of plant food and 20% of animal food are present in it.

And the lack of plant foods gives rise to dangerous diseases of the heart, blood vessels, metabolism and even oncology in the body.

In life, it turns out for many people the opposite is true. Scientists note that even in the most developed countries, to whom we are accustomed to equal, for example, in France, there is a noticeable decrease in the use of plant fibers. The consumption rate is considered to be 40 g per day, and in France it has already dropped to 20 g.

And this happens not only because people prefer to eat more meat, but also because the market offers us refined plant foods that are devoid of dietary fiber.

What is fiber

From a scientific point of view, vegetable fiber refers to polysaccharides that look like a long chain of monosaccharides of one type, more often complex carbohydrates. This is nothing more than food fibers that make up the membranes of plant cells.

These macronutrients are difficult to process in the human body and therefore are excreted from the body quickly and almost unchanged. Therefore, there is a comparison in the literature of plant fibers with a brush, which, moving along the labyrinths of the intestine, cleans out all the old and old deposits of food residues from all the spaces between the villi.

Which decompose, release poison and toxins, and those, in turn, enter the bloodstream and are carried to all organs, which is not safe for humans. Watch the video about the magical benefits of fiber:

Dietary fiber refers to roughage, but it is precisely such food that the human gastrointestinal tract needs. And even if these macronutrients do not give energy to the body, like vitamins and minerals, they fulfill their necessary and important role.

Types of fiber

Dietary fiber has a complex qualification in various ways, I will not fully describe it, but only briefly list it for a general idea.

Macronutrients of plant origin have differences from each other:

• In the chemical structure , two directions are distinguished here, which include lignin (these are non-carbohydrate fibers) and polysaccharides (gums and pectins, hemicellulose and cellulose ..);
• In cleaning methods (peeled and unpeeled);
• By raw material origin . Answering the important question, what contains fiber, the sources are divided into two groups. One includes dietary fibers obtained in an unconventional way, using the stems of herbaceous plants, cereals, reeds, and even fibers from deciduous and coniferous trees. And in the other group - all vegetable and cereal crops related to the traditional origin;
• According to fiber solubility , since macronutrients are soluble, such as (mucus and gums, derivatives and pectin). And insoluble ones such as (lignin and cellulose);
• According to the degree of processing in the intestine . Some macronutrients are completely fermented (gums and pectin, hemicellulose and mucus). Others are completely too tough for microorganisms and their enzymes and they leave the body unchanged (lignin). And still others, only partially processed, are: hemicellulose and cellulose.

Main types of dietary fiber

I would like to note only the main types of macronutrients of dietary fiber. These include:

Lignins, these are macroelements of the lignified walls of plant cells, which set the strength structure of cell membranes. There are many lignins in tree species, in deciduous they contain up to 24%, in conifers - up to 30%. But this does not mean that they are absent in vegetables and herbs.

Their content is noted in cereals, radishes, radishes, beets, peas and eggplants. Moreover, the longer the vegetables lie, the higher the concentration of lignins in them becomes. As noted above, they are not processed at all in the intestines and, moving along, they take other substances with them, reducing their absorption and digestibility, due to the rapid passage through the intestines.

This property of lignins is taken into service by people who want to lose weight quickly. In addition, lignins lower cholesterol levels and help cleanse the intestines.

Polysaccharide group

This group includes starch (glycogen and starch), and structural polysaccharides or non-starch:

It's cellulose which is the building material of plants. It is insoluble in water and hydrolyzes into glucose. In nature, it seems to be a fairly common macronutrient. It appears in all plants, most of all in the shells of grains, the peel of fruits and vegetables, the skin of berries and fruits.

Cellulose digestion occurs only in the digestive tract of ruminants. due to the content of a special group of microorganisms that can break down cellulose to glucose. A person cannot process this macronutrient.

Hemicellulose like cellulose, it absorbs a large amount of water and at the same time increases in volume. They create a feeling of rapid filling of the stomach and satiety, in the large intestine, with their volume, they push all the contents “to the exit”, thereby favoring the rapid release of the intestines.

pectins, being a structural macroelement, they are involved in maintaining the pressure of plants. Their content is noted in all plants of a higher order and in some algae living in the sea. Thanks to pectins, fruits and vegetables retain their freshness for a long time during storage.

Pectins are also not absorbed by the human body, they reduce the absorption of fats and sugar, being an excellent sorbent, they capture cholesterol, waste and toxins from the intestines and remove them. Pectins are very useful in intestinal dysbacteriosis. Large quantities are found in apples, citrus fruits, beets, pumpkins.

The macronutrients described above ensure the health of the intestines, its normal functioning and the timely release of feces.

The benefits and harms of fiber for the human body

Studies show that roughage not only makes a person healthy, but also increases his life expectancy. Macroelements of plant foods heal the intestinal flora, increase the number of beneficial bacteria.

What are the benefits of fiber

Dietary fiber is a component that cannot even be absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Despite this, its importance for maintaining and restoring health is fundamental.

A diet rich in plant-based macronutrients can relieve headaches, for example, and reduce the frequency of taking anti-inflammatory drugs. Such dietary prophylaxis is relevant for kidney stones, prevents or significantly reduces their movement during colic in the kidneys, and successfully competes with drugs with a similar effect.

By changing your eating habits in favor of healthy foods, you can significantly improve your health.

Healthy gut microflora

There is no secret that with improper nutrition, the intestinal microflora suffers first of all. And the work of all internal organs depends on this. A lot of different bacteria live inside the intestines, many of which form a symbiosis with the body.

A special role is given to prebiotics. Plant foods in the large intestine selectively stimulate the growth and activity of probiotic strains of microorganisms that have a beneficial effect on the human body.

The most commonly used prebiotics are soluble fiber fractions. Foods with a high content of them form a favorable balance of intestinal microflora in such a way that bacteria from the genus Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium prevail in relation to others.

Lowering blood cholesterol levels

Separate water-soluble fiber fractions, i.e. pectin and water, effectively reduce the absorption and circulation of hepato-intestinal bile acids by mechanically linking them. And cholesterol, as you know, being the basis of bile acids, can be absorbed along with other substances and return to the liver again.

Soluble fibers interfere with this process by binding cholesterol. They contribute to its excretion along with feces, and the liver will be forced to restore its correct level, eliminating bad cholesterol. These are the colossal benefits and the great importance of one component of food, it has on health.

Restoration of bowel function

One of the most common health problems of modern man is constipation. They arise primarily as a result of an improper diet, with a limited fiber content. Most people, not understanding the relationship between nutrition and health, look for solutions to their problems in pharmacies, for example, as herbal laxatives.

Unfortunately, patients, without changing their eating habits, after the next course of cleansing the stomach with herbal teas, as a result, seek the help of a doctor who will prescribe a diet rich in plant fibers for constipation.

Dietary fiber is the most important element of fruit and vegetable diets, a mixture of chemical compounds of plant origin, with a very rich chemical composition, which is a simple model for the rational nutrition of healthy people.

The composition of nutrients in the daily diet should contain dietary fiber up to 40-60 grams. This is necessary so that the fibers can perform their functions and additionally eliminate the problem of constipation, it is also necessary to increase the volume of liquid in the diet to 2-2.5 liters by drinking the first glass, preferably warm, boiled water on an empty stomach.

Benefits for weight loss

Their intake in the body in a natural form - in food, will give effective results in reducing body weight. Products require intensive chewing, a long stay in the stomach, where they swell and provide a quick and long-lasting feeling of satiety.

In addition, as a result of slow digestion and absorption, there is no sharp increase in the concentration of glucose in the blood serum, despite the fact that it is found in large quantities in fruits and vegetables.

After eating plant foods, there is no rapid feeling of hunger that is characteristic of foods high in sugar (for example, sweet carbonated drinks).

Strengthening immunity

The universal benefits of using dietary fiber in food also include strengthening the immune system. Most often, herbal medicines or nutritional supplements are used for this, the composition of which is based on the extract or juice of Echinacea purpurea, aqueous extracts of aloe, onion, garlic.

The influence of a plant-based diet on the immunity of the human body occurs by stimulating the development of microorganisms naturally living in the gastrointestinal tract.

Their presence is necessary for the proper functioning of the lymphoid tissue associated with the intestinal mucosa and the direct stimulation of the entire immune system. Maintaining the immune homeostasis of the human body with the help of a properly functioning intestinal microflora is based on the regulation of the level of Treg, 17 lymphocytes and the ratio of Th1/Th2 lymphocytes, as well as maintaining and protecting the intestinal barrier, the production of antibodies.

In addition, these bacteria reduce the acidity of feces and the development of harmful bacteria, protect the body from infections and pathogenic microorganisms.

The composition of the microflora that exists in the human gastrointestinal tract, as well as its beneficial effect on the immune system, is closely dependent on the way of nutrition. The correct functionality of the intestinal microflora can only be maintained if the nutrients needed by the beneficial intestinal bacteria are provided with food.

Such food for them is plant food. In turn, a diet rich in simple sugars will contribute to the dominance of pathogenic microorganisms, fungi in the intestinal microflora.

Prevention of bowel cancer

The lack of dietary fiber in food, according to Italian scientists, is an important and main reason that causes obesity in people and provokes the development of cancer.

Therefore, it is so important to try to replace animal foods with plant foods.

And from among plant foods, give preference to unprocessed food, coarse grinding, as for cereals, try to buy unrefined oils and flour products made from unrefined flour. Because refined plant foods simply lack fiber.

Are there any contraindications and harm in the use of fiber

After listing so many useful properties, it is difficult to imagine that dietary fiber can be harmful to health or have any contraindications. The only harmful factor of macronutrients of plant origin is the high absorption of water, which, if not known, can lead to dehydration.

But this is not such an important argument to refuse plant foods. To benefit and not harm the body, you just need to take care and drink water more often so as not to provoke intestinal obstruction.

Dietary fiber can cause gas formation and bloating, so taking it is contraindicated in case of exacerbation of gastric ulcer and enterocolitis. It is not recommended to include in food, suffering from diarrhea, flatulence, allergic disease. People with these diseases will benefit more from probiotics.

How to take fiber

When buying fiber from different manufacturers, you should pay attention to the instructions for use, they differ from each other .. But there are general features that you can always follow.

Compliance with the reception time. Dietary fiber is taken before meals, 20-30 minutes before meals.

Dosage compliance . Reception begins with a small amount of vegetable macronutrients, for example, not a full tablespoon, several times a day. And gradually bring the amount of reception to the specified in the instructions.

It can be diluted in soup or porridge, added to juice or included in pastries. Dosages are determined based on the age of the people. Under the age of 50, men can eat up to 38 g of dietary fiber per day, women - up to 25 g.

After the age of 50, for women, the dosages are reduced to 20 g, and for men - up to 30 g. But it is necessary to gradually accustom the body to this dosage.

Compliance with the drinking regime. Nutritionists advise to drink up to 250 ml of liquid per 2.5-3 tablespoons. Instead of water, the use of juice or dairy products is allowed.

Compliance with these features is a prerequisite, since excessive consumption can be harmful to health, and besides this, there are contraindications.

As noted above, a person does not eat the specified amount of dietary fiber, so experts recommend not only leaning on fiber-rich foods, but trying to take biological supplements designed specifically for this purpose.

*registered by the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (according to grls.rosminzdrav.ru)

Name of the medical device: Means (filter) barrier otolaryngological Nazaval ®

Registration number: FSL 2008/02844 dated 03/18/2013

Composition: micronized vegetable cellulose.
Excipients: natural peppermint extract.

Description: fine powder of white color with a slight smell of mint, 500 mg in a bottle of polyethylene with a patented dispenser and screw cap. 1 bottle together with instructions for use is placed in a cardboard box.

Purpose:

Nasaval ® protects against the development of allergies by preventing contact of the nasal mucosa with aeroallergens and pollutants:

• plant pollen;
• household allergens - house dust mites, house dust;
• fungal allergens;
• epidermal allergens of animals and birds;
• allergens of cockroaches and other insects;
• chemical substances;
• other microparticles that enter the nasal cavity when air is inhaled.

Nazaval ® is used for the prevention and in the complex therapy of allergic rhinitis: itching in the nose, swelling of the nasal mucosa and nasal breathing disorders, abundant, liquid, transparent discharge from the nose, sneezing attacks, etc.
Nazaval ® acts as a natural barrier against aeroallergens, preventing the development of allergies.

Mechanism of action:

Cellulose powder on the nasal mucosa forms a transparent, gel-like, protective layer that does not interfere with breathing. The gel-like layer is an effective barrier against allergens, protecting the body from an allergic reaction.
Nasal spray, dosed Nazaval ® is a barrier agent, does not have a systemic or local effect.

Indications for use:

It is used in allergic rhinitis to protect the nasal mucosa from aeroallergens and pollutants, as well as other aggressive environmental factors inhaled with air.

Contraindications:

Individual intolerance to the components.

Dosage and administration:

Adults and children: one spray in each nasal passage.

1. Preventively:
   • in case of allergy to plant pollen (seasonal allergy), it is recommended to start using Nasaval ® in advance, 1-2 weeks before the expected start of the pollen season.
   • with year-round rhinitis (allergies to house dust, animals, etc.) Nasaval ® can be used situationally 5-10 minutes before the expected contact with the allergen.
   Prophylactic use of Nazaval ® reduces the risk of exacerbation of allergic rhinitis.
2. In order to prevent further entry of allergens into the body in complex therapy in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Recommended dosage: One spray in each nasal passage 3-4 times a day (every 5-6 hours) is usually enough to protect against allergens throughout the day. If necessary, Nasaval ® can be used as often as needed.

It is recommended to use Nazaval ® before the expected contact with allergens, for example, before going outside during the flowering period, visiting crowded places, doing home cleaning, contact with pets.

Pregnancy and lactation:

Nazaval ® can be used in women during pregnancy and lactation, as it does not have a systemic effect and does not contain preservatives.

Application order:

1. When using for the first time, make 2 test pressures on the walls of the bottle into the air - you will see a trickle of powder.
2. Before use, if necessary, carry out a hygienic cleaning of the nasal cavity.
3. Keep your head straight, there is no need to throw it back.
4. Shake the vial.
5. Pinch one nasal passage with your finger.
6. Place the spout of the bottle in the opposite nasal passage and, pressing hard on the walls of the bottle, make one injection of the powder while inhaling.
7. Carry out the same procedure on the opposite side.

special instructions

Nazaval ® in children should be used under adult supervision.
Safety spray Nazaval ® due to the lack of interaction with the organs and tissues of the body.
The use of a barrier agent (filter) Nazaval ® does not affect the ability to drive vehicles, does not cause drowsiness.
If necessary, joint use with other nasal drugs Nazaval ® should be used no earlier than 30 minutes after their use.
Before each use of Nazaval ®, the nasal passages should be cleared. It is not recommended to use Nasaval ® after the use of nasal ointments and oil-based nasal drops.
If Nazaval ® gets into the eyes, it is recommended to rinse them with water.
Contact of the nose of the vial with the nasal mucosa should be avoided. This may lead to clogging of the vial with powder. If this still happened, clean the bottle spout with a thin sharp object (needle, toothpick).

Rules for storage and use:

Shelf life - 3 years.
Do not use if vial is damaged.
Store in a dry place at room temperature. Keep out of the reach of children! The bottle is recommended to be used within 3 months after the first opening.
Do not use after the expiry date stated on the packaging.
Transportation by all types of vehicles is allowed, in accordance with the rules for the carriage of goods in force for this type of transport.

Leave conditions:

Released without a doctor's prescription.

Manufacturer: Nazaleze Ltd., UK.
Nasaleze LTD, Unit 6, The Shipyard, Ramsey, Isle of Man, IM8 3DT, UK.

RU holder: Zambon S.p.A., Italy. Zambon S.P.A., Bresso (MI) Via Lillo del Duca, 10-20091, Italy.

Distributor in Russia: Zambon Pharma LLC, 119002, Moscow, Glazovsky per., 7.

What is the role of cellulose in the human body, you will learn from this article.

What is cellulose?

Cellulose is a natural polymer of glucose, which is of plant origin and has a linear molecular structure. In other words, it is also called checkered. On our planet, among all organic compounds, it ranks first.

Cellulose biomedical value:

• Cellulose is the main component that makes up the structure of plant cell walls.
• In plants, it performs a protective function.
• The component is the basis of complex molecular structures.
• They provide living organisms with the necessary energy for existence.
• They feed the cells of organisms with nutrients, as they are concentrated in the tissues and feed the cell at the right time.
• Cellulose takes an active part in the regulation of osmotic pressure.
• It is part of the perceiving parts of the receptors of all cells.

The biological significance of cellulose:

• Fiber is the main structural part of the cell wall in plants. Plant cellulose is the main food of herbivores, as their body has a special enzyme - cellulase, which is responsible for the breakdown of this component. But a person in its pure form does not use cellulose.
• It binds fluid in intestinal peristalsis. It also metabolizes bacteria in the large intestine. Cellulose energy supports its microflora and dietary fiber in it.
• Fiber is the prevention of hemorrhoids and constipation.
• When a person suffering from type 1 diabetes consumes enough cellulose, his body becomes much more resistant to glucose.
• This element acts as a “brush”, removing dirty buildup from the intestinal walls - it removes toxic substances and cholesterol.

We hope that from this article you have learned what is the biological function of cellulose in the cell of organisms.