Obesidade e fibra dietética: destaque para a fibra de caju

Abstract

Overweight and obesity continue to be an important global health challenge andarisk factor for an increasing set of chronic non-communicable diseases. The role of dietary components in promoting health has deserved considerable attention in the prevention of chronic diseases associated with food, among which dietary fibers stand out. This work aims to perform a bibliographic review regarding the physiological aspects of dietary fiber and its relationship with obesity and intestinal microbiota, highlighting the effects of cashew bagasse fiber. This is a bibliographic reviewdonethrough the search for scientific literature, using as descriptors: “obesity”, “dietary fiber”, “cashew bagasse”. The most recent studies indicate the importance ofdietary fiber for promoting growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestine andproduction of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), which can normalize metabolic changes in the obese state and associated comorbidities. The fiber in cashew bagasse has stood out for being an alternative source of dietaryfiber, derived from the cashew bagasse, an agro-industrial residueof socio-economic importance for the northeasternregion of Brazil, region with, the greatest production in the country.The fiber in cashew bagasse has functional physiological effects on normal metabolism and obesity, and these effects may beassociated with the production of SCFA. However, studies evaluating the physiological effects of this fiber are still scarce and further studies in an experimental model and clinical trials are needed to elucidate the mechanisms of action associated with its effects