Dietary fibre is an important part of the human diet. It is a major determinant of gut health and plays a large role in protecting against bowel cancer . Although it provides virtually no nutrients or energy, it is crucial for fermentation in the large intestine, leading to microbial growth. This is known to form larger stools and shorten the amount of time it takes for the waste to pass through the intestines. Most dietary fibres are polysaccharides , strings of monosaccharides linked together. Lignins, cutins and tannins are some of the non-polysaccharides that are classed as dietary fibre. The main health benefit of fibre is faecal bulk. Soluble fibre ferments in the gut, creating short-chain fatty acids along with bulky stools able to easily clear out potential carcinogens. As soluble fibre meets water and forms into a gel, the muscles along the digestive tract find it easier to push the food along until it is passed out as waste. Lack of fibre in the diet contributes to co