Review of 2024: 10 questions to ask yourself
![](https://www.nautilusplus.com/content/themes/nautilus/img/icons/arrow-right-blue.png)
Pepsi Co has recently launched a new soft drink in Japan, the “Special Pepsi”. This soft drink contains an unsuspected ingredient: a kind of dietary fibre called “dextrin”. According to Pepsi, this fibre hinders fat absorption and helps losing weight. Will soft drinks be classified as healthy foods from now on?
Dextrins are part of the dietary fibre family, more specifically of the “soluble fibre” family. They are found naturally in certain fruits, in oats and barley, as well as in legumes (chick peas, beans, lentils, etc.). Dextrins are also sold as supplements in powder form that can be added to foods or drinks (ex. Benefibre).
In the intestine, soluble fibre binds to cholesterol, preventing the body from absorbing it. Consequently, a diet rich in soluble fibre should help lowering cholesterol levels and reduce risks of heart diseases. In addition, because soluble fibre makes us feel replete, they also help in appetite control and promote weight loss.
Dextrin found in its natural state in foods probably doesn’t have the same effect on the body as artificial dextrin added to a sweet drink. We can also imagine many drawbacks related to the consumption of soft drinks containing this added dietary fibre:
As of now, dextrin supplements have not been proven as safe and effective. They are not recommended as a weight loss and cholesterol reduction strategy.
You wish to add more soluble fibre to your nutrition? Forget about Special Pepsi or any other fibre supplement, and try these much more practical and nutritive tips:
By Vanessa Martin
References
1. A Bray G, Pi-Sunyer, FX, E Mulder J. 2012. Weight loss treatment. In UpToDate. En ligne. < http://www.uptodate.com/contents/weight-loss-treatments-beyond-the-basics?source=search_result&search=dextrin&selectedTitle=11~11 >. Consulté le 13 décembre 2012.
2. Wald A, Lipman TO, Grover S. 2012. High-fiber diet. In UpToDate. En ligne. < http://www.uptodate.com/contents/high-fiber-diet-beyond-the-basics?source=search_result&search=dextrin&selectedTitle=2~5 >. Consulté le 13 décembre 2012.
3. Rosenbloom, Cara. 2009. Les meilleurs aliments pour abaisser le cholesterol. En ligne. < http://www.fmcoeur.com/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=ntJXJ8MMIqE&b=4988587&ct=7305431 >. Consulté le 13 décembre 2012.
Is There Such a Thing as a Healthy Soft Drink? is a post from Nautilus Plus. The Nautilus Plus blog aims to help people in their journey to fitness through articles on training, nutrition, motivation, exercise and healthy recipes.
Copyright © Nautilus Plus 2013
Let's establish your nutritional goals together and get some expert advice!
Make an appointment