All About Wheat Bran

6. Phytonutrients

Plants produce phytonutrients or phytochemicals that protect them from viruses, bacteria, and fungi. In the human body, phytonutrients work alone or with other phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals to enhance the body’s natural defenses against chronic diseases. Dietary fiber is a major phytochemical. Wheat bran contains a number of phytochemicals, including lignans, phytosterols, sphingolipids, and alkylresorcinols. According to studies, wheat bran is the only cereal bran that consistently defends laboratory animals from colon cancer. However, research has not yet identified the specific phytonutrients or fibers that provide this protection.

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