Defining moment

It may not be the sexiest food ingredient on the block, but fibre has a lot going for it. Not only does it perform some nifty technical functions as a fat replacer and texturiser, it is also claimed to have some pretty impressive health benefits as well. Effects vary according to the fibre in question, but fibre is variously claimed to decrease intestinal transit times, increase stool bulk, reduce 'bad' cholesterol, stimulate the growth of 'good' gut bacteria and even keep the hunger pangs at bay, among other things.