Fibers are complex carbohydrates and lignin found ONLY in plants. The edible
parts of plants that cannot be digested are sources of Fiber. Some are soluble
in water, which form a gel, like gums, pectins, and agar. Others, like cellulose,
are insoluble. We need a mixture of both. Daily Value for fiber is 20 g (US
Food & Drug Administration and National Cancer Institute) for a 2000
calorie diet. Refined foodstuffs are calorie-rich, but lack fiber.
Why is Fiber Important..?
When fiber is present in our food, we chew for longer time, eat less quantity,
and absorb less fat. Fiber replaces calories, relieves constipation, helps
maintain a safe level of blood glucose, and lowers cholesterol. US FDA recently
approved a label claim associating of use of SOLUBLE fiber, from sources
such as psyllium husk and oat bran, with reduced risk of heart attack.
Fiber Deficiency is linked to -
| What we eat | Serving Size | Calorie value | Fiber g | %RDA | Major Fiber Type |
| Apple | 100 g | 60 | 1 | 5 | Insoluble |
| Grapes | 100 g | 70 | 2.8 | 15 | Insoluble |
| Potato | 100 g | 100 | 0.4 | 2 | Insoluble |
| Greens | 100 g | 30 | 1 | 5 | Insoluble |
| Peas (uncooked) | 100 g | 95 | 4 | 20 | Soluble |
| Beef | 100 g | 115 | 0 | 0 | None |
| Tomato | 100 g | 20 | 0.8 | 4 | Insoluble |
| Banana | 100 g | 115 | 0.4 | 2 | Insoluble |
| Corn Flakes | 100 g | 390 | 1 | 5 | Insoluble |
| Psyllium husk | 15 g | Not known | 3.5 | 17 | Soluble |
| FENGREEK Seeds | 10 g | 15 | 5 | 25 | Soluble + Insoluble |
What are the recognized sources of dietary fiber, and how do they compare?
The following table compares the quality of natural sources of dietary fiber. Data on some sources are not complete, and hence have been omitted. The table shows comparison of Oats, Soy, Guar, Psyllium, Wheat and Fenugreek for their natural qualities.
| Source | Total Fiber | Soluble Fiber | Insoluble Fiber | Protein | Fat |
| Fenugreek Seeds | 46-48% | 20-28% | 18-24% | 26 - 30% | 4 - 8% |
| Soya Bean | 20% | 15-18% | 3-5% | 40 - 43% | 19% |
| Oats | 15 - 18% | 7 - 8% | 7 - 8% | 14 - 19% | N/A |
| Wheat | 12% | 1-3% | 9-11% | 10 - 12% | 1 - 3% |
| Guar Bean | 40% | 25% | 15% | 28% | 10 - 15% |
| Psyllium seed | 24-26% | 24-25% | 1-2% | 5% | Trace |
What is FENUBER® ?
Fenuber® is
FENUgreek + fiBER
. It is the debitterized, Fat & Oil-free powder of the fenugreek seed,
rich in fenugreek protein, and fibers. Fenuber® gives maximum
amount of dietary fiber without adding calories. Fenuber® gives
a mixture of soluble and insoluble fibers. It is debitterized and hence can
be used in food and other preparations. It is saponin-free and hence will
not induce appetite. In fact it will suppress appetite by acting as a calorie
substitute and bulk-forming agent.
FENUBER® is Safe?
Plain Fenuber® is All-Natural. Even at 100 g a
day Fenuber® is safe. Recommended dose is 25 g to 30 g a day.
Individuals with allergy to ingredients should avoid Fenuber®
. Manufactured under strict GMP conditions of FDA and local regulations. Every
batch is tested for quality and safety by independent outside agency. FENUBER
® does not contain any saponin or alkaloids. Traditionally, whole
fenugreek seeds or the extract has been contraindicated in early pregnancy
and during menstruation due to the inherent capacity of the saponins and
alkaloids to induce risk of abortion and excessive bleeding. Any fenugreek
fiber product that is bitter in taste indicates the residual saponin that
has not been removed completely, thus increasing the possibility of adverse
reaction. FENUBER® is devoid of these physiologically active
factors, thus making it safer for regular daily use by everyone. Animal studies
as approved by international research organizations (NIH, FDA, WHO) revealed
that this product is ABSOLUTELY safe and no animal showed any toxic effects
even after administration of 2 g per kg body weight for 90 days.
FENUBER® Provides Fiber and more.
Saponins and Alkaloids give bitterness. They also increase appetite. The
fixed and essential oils in fenugreek seeds are unsaturated, but become rancid
on storage. FENUBER® is the only Fenugreek fiber without the
oils or bitters.
Every 10 g of Fenuber® powder contains, approx.
3 g Soluble fiber1
2 g Insoluble fiber
3 g Protein
Zero Fat (= No High-Calories)
Zero Steroidal saponins (= No weight-gain)
In addition, there is Calcium, Iron, traces of other minerals such as selenium,
chromium, magnesium, manganese etc. The protein in FENUBER®
is considered very high class, because the net protein utilization value
is about 64 (meat 67).
Fenuber
®
Specifications
COMPOSITION of COMMERCIAL FIBER PRODUCTS
The following table compares the composition of dietary fiber in the commercially
available products.
|
|
Total Fiber | Soluble Fiber | Insoluble Fiber | Protein | Fat |
| FENUBER® | 60% | 25 - 28% | 20 - 32% | 26 - 30% | Trace |
| Soy Fiber | 75% | 4% | 71% | 12% | <1% |
| Oat Bran | 80 - 90% | 90% | Trace | Trace | N/A |
| Wheat Bran | 44% | 13% | 31% | 3% | 35% |
| Guar Gum | 80% | 80% | N/A | Trace | 10 - 15% |
| Psyllium Husk | 82% | 82% | Trace | 5% | Trace |
FENUBER® for weight-control
Fenuber® taken 20 or 30 minutes before meal time suppresses
appetite by initiating sense of satiety. When taken with meal, it forms
the bulk of food replacing high-calorie dishes. A high-fiber, low-fat,
low-cal protein meal is recommended for weight-control.
FENUBER® for Constipation
Constipation and irregularity are major outcomes of fiber-deficient diets.
Fenuber® provides bulk to the waste and decreases the colon
transit time from 20-36 hrs to 2-6 hrs. It is a gentle and safe laxative
which helps reduce the risk of colo-rectal cancer and other bowel disorders
often associated with low-fiber diet. This type of cancer is not common in
Asia and Africa where fiber is eaten.
FENUBER® reduces Bad Cholesterol
High cholesterol and blood sugar are common in diabetes. A diet containing
25 g of the powder (= about 12-13 g fiber) per day given to 60 individuals
with diabetes type-2 and high triglycerides and VLDL & LDL cholesterol
resulted in significant lowering in 4 weeks, which improved in 8 weeks and
beyond as shown in figure below2. The 'good' cholesterol HDL did
not change. Similar effects were observed in Type 1 diabetes5.
Some soluble fibers form gel in the stomach and appear to behave like 'fat'
inside the body. The gel seems to instruct the brain which sends message
to the gall-bladder to empty itself. The gel subsequently irreversibly traps
bile-salts preventing their reabsorption in the distal ileum. Regular emptying
of gall bladder may help reduce risk of gall-stones. The action of emptying
and trapping the bile forces the liver to take cholesterol from blood to
make new bile in order to aid the digestion of foods.
Reducing 'bad' cholesterol and triglycerides significantly reduces risk of atherosclerosis and heart attack. In another study giving 100 g a day to 10 non-diabetic individuals with high cholesterol, significant drop in total, VLDL+LDL cholesterol , and triglyceride levels was seen in 10 days which improved further in 20 days3. This is shown in the following chart.
FENUBER® for managing Diabetes
Incorporation of 100 g powder a day in the diet of 15 Type 2 diabetes patients
significantly reduced the blood sugar level by more than 25% in 10 days
4. This is due to the gel forming properties of Fenuber®
which delays gastric emptying and increases intestinal transit time. Glucose
trapped in the gel leaches out slowly over a long period. In stead of a short-lived
steep rise in blood sugar level, gel-fiber gives a moderate level over a
long time which helps to avoid fatigue and need for frequent eating. This
also reduces need for high amounts of insulin or anti-diabetic medication
in diabetics5. The cycle of overeating and hypoglycemia is interrupted
by Fenuber® intake. Time of Fenuber® intake
does not seem to affect the beneficial effects on diabetes management.
HEALTH Benefits of taking dietary fibers regularly
The following table shows the health benefits of taking popular dietary fibers
in their recommended dosages on a regular basis. The data have been compiled
from various independent studies and sources. The dosages are not uniform
nor are the duration it took to observe the claimed clinical benefits identical.
For example, psyllium husk products may need to be taken for several months
before any significant effect may be observed. On the contrary, a 12.5 g
dose taken twice a day (25 g) for 4 weeks showed the data shown in the table
below. Administration of 25 g of psyllium per day will be very difficult.
|
|
Cholesterol | Blood Glucose | Triglycerides | LDL + VLDL | Urine Glucose | Promotes Regularity |
| FENUBER® | 14 - 19%@ | 25% | 18% | 23% | 54% | Yes |
| Soy Fiber | 8% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Yes |
| Oat Fiber | 10 -17% | N/A | NS | N/A | N/A | Yes |
| Wheat Bran | NS | NS | NS | NS | NS | Yes |
| Guar Gum | 10-15% | 15% | NS | N/A | 40-50% | Yes |
| Psyllium Husk | 9-15% | 15% | NS | N/A | N/A | Yes |
How much should I take?
Since FENUBER provides the essential fiber that is missing in our processed
diet, the need will depend on our diet. For those need to correct constipation
and achieve regularity, the dose may be small. However, continued fiber deficiency
over a long period of time may lead to high cholesterol and even diabetes,
with or without obesity. In these situations, a higher dose may help the
body to correct deficiency significantly and show improvement in these conditions.
The loist below may help in deciding the dose and time of administration.
Though taking 100 g a day was not harmful to adults, a regular intake of
2 doses of 2 tsp (= 20 g a day) will provide adequate fiber to the body.
To Correct constipation and achieve regularity
1 teaspoonfull or 5 grams or 6 caps ONE time a day
To Suppress appetite and control weight gain
2 tsp or 10 g or 12 cap ONE Hour prior to EACH Meal time.
To Control high cholesterol (LDL-VLDL-Triglyceride)
levels 2 tsp or 10 g
or 12 cap ONE Hour prior to EACH Meal, or TWICE a day
To Manage diabetes and high sugar levels
2 tsp or 10 g or 12 caps ANYTIME, 2 or 3 times a day.
NEW users must start with very small amounts and gradually
increase to the above levels. Always take with adequate fluids. Read
warning below.
Nature of Soluble Fiber and Clinical Effects
Many soluble fibers are made of galactomannans with
distinct galactose (G) to mannose (M) ratio. Fenugreek soluble fiber (1G:1M),
guar gum (1G:2M), and locust-bean gum (1G:4M) showed increasing viscosity.
Fenugreek which had the lowest viscosity also showed maximum efficacy in
lowering plasma chilesterol6 . This Australian study showed that
even among available soluble fibers, fenugreek offers best results.
Bibliography Cited
(Additional published reference to efficacy, safety and clinical data available
at National Library of Medicine)
1. Rao P.U et al., An evaluation of Protein quality of Fenugreek seeds and
their supplementary effects. Food Chemistry, 1987, 24: 1-9.
2. Sharma, R. D. et al., Hypolipidemic effect of Fenugreek seeds: a chronic
study in Non-insulin Dependent Diabetic patients. Phytotherapy Research,
1996, 10: 332-334.
3. Sharma, R. D. et al., Hypolipidemic effect of fenugreek seeds- A clinical
Study. Phytotherapy Research, 1991, 5: 145-47.
4. Sharma, R .D. et al., Effects of Fenugreek seeds in non-insulin dependent
diabetes. Nutrition Research 1990, 10: 731-79.
5. Sharma, R.. D. et al., Effects of Fenugreek seeds on blood glucose and
serum lipids in type-1 diabetes. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 1990,
44: 301-06.
6. Evans A. J., et al., Relationship between structure and function
of dietary fibre: a comparative study of the effects of three galactomannans
on cholesterol metabolism in the rat. British Journal of Nutrition. 1992,
68: 217-229.
7. Rajagopalan, M. S., Fenugreek, what can this herb offer? Naturally, Vol
1: 1- 4, 1998
8. Rajagopalan, M. S. Fenugreek a Savory Medicinal, Supplement Industry Executive
5:(6); 43-44, 2001
FENUBER® in many forms
FENUBER® is supplied as plain powder, or with natural and
artificial flavors. Fenuber® stays as a palatable liquid for
over 10 min. Custom flavoring with permitted ingredients is offered.
Fenuber®
Plain Powder- serving size 5 or 10 g; mix with 1 cup of fruit
juice, stir briskly and serve.
Fenuber®
Capsules- '0' size capsules with 700 mg powder per capsule; provides
250 mg fiber per capsule. May be useful in promoting regularity. Dosage 4
capsules once or twice daily.
Fenuber®
Fine Powder Add to flour to fortify. The fortified flour has been
used in making NUTRIBARS, PIZZA, BAGEL, MUFFIN, CHIPS, BREAD, TORTILLA, TACO
SHELL, NOODLES ETC.
Packaging
Fenuber is sold in 25 kg (55 lb) drums.
Smaller package sizes for trial order are available
in 10 kg, 5 kg, 2 kg or 1 kg sizes.
Where is FENUBER® available ?
Call (USA) 480-763-5539 or fax 603-754-8396 or
email admin@kbcincusa.com for purchasing/ corporate and investor
relations/ product information. We have a warehouse in Chandler AZ [USA],
Victoria BC, [Canada] ( phone 250-361-4921 or fax
509-351-6928). Direct enquiries from contract users are welcome.
WARNING: Important Fiber-facts....!
Taking ANY FIBER PRODUCT without adequate liquids may
cause it to swell and block the esophagus. Fiber supplement is not recommended
for children under 6. Persons with history of stroke, seizures, epilepsy,
mental disability, difficulty in swallowing, sudden changes in bowel habits,
abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting must consult physician before taking
any fiber supplement. Fiber products such as soy fiber, guar gum, fenugreek
etc., which contain the respective protein may present a risk of allergic
response to certain individuals. A person allergic to soy protein need not
be allergic to guar or fenugreek protein. Allergic reaction, chest pain,
vomiting, difficulty in breathing or swallowing can occur with some dietary
fiber; in which case, stop taking fiber and seek immediate medical help.
Some fibers may interfere with absorption of vitamins and minerals. New users
may experience easy voiding of unformed stool. This is NOT diarrhea. Reduce
the quantity and frequency for a few days to reset. Some soluble fibers,
like psyllium, can lead to gas formation (flatulence) in a few individuals.
Effects of and tolerance to fiber may vary between persons. Individuals must
assess their sensitivity, and seek professional advice if needed.
We ship in bulk and retail packages against credit card and C.O.D. payments.
Investor Relations and Corporate Sponsorship for employee-welfare programs
available.
Ask how you can get into our Investor
health promotion plan and get year's supply FREE.