For some time now, it's been suspected that fibre in food helped us lose weight because its bulk fills the stomach.
But now researchers have found that it's really because of a special chemical that fools our brains into thinking we are full.
It turns into acetate, which our gut bacteria turn into two types of hormone that produce the 'full' sensation that stops us eating more.
The study looked at a particular type of fibre found in bananas and onions, but any fibre is good for you.
In other science news, salads are being grown in space and colour-changing paint has been created thanks to the wonders of nanotechnology.
Auckland University nanotechnology expert Michelle Dickinson takes a look at the latest science and tech news – watch the video.
source: newshub archive
