What is the primary mechanical function of Daikon's dietary fiber in the digestive tract?
Adding bulk to stool and stimulating intestinal movement (peristalsis)
The fundamental role of dietary fiber, which Daikon is rich in, is mechanical. Fiber is an undigested component that passes through the system largely intact, providing necessary substance to the waste material. This added bulk is critical because it prevents stools from becoming overly hard or small, which typically leads to straining or infrequent bowel movements. Furthermore, this increased mass physically helps to stimulate the natural, wave-like muscular contractions of the intestines, known as peristaltic action, ensuring that waste material moves along the digestive tract efficiently. While other components like water contribute to softness, the fiber itself is directly responsible for the structural bulk and driving the movement necessary for regularity.
