Word: lignin
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Dates: during 1970-1979
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...encounter bacteria in the large bowel. There are three basic kinds of fiber. The simplest is cellulose; the four-chambered stomach of cattle can readily digest this form, but the single human stomach cannot. Next comes a group of polysaccharides, consisting of complex sugar chains. The third type is lignin, which not even intestinal bacteria can degrade. Fiber of any kind provides little caloric nourishment; its main value is in absorbing water so that the contents of the digestive tract are bulky, loose and easily excreted. Grandma knew this when she advised her family to eat more fruits and vegetables...