Cellulose, Hemicellulose and Lignin Content of Raw and Cooked Spanish Vegetables

ABSTRACT The content in NDF, ADF, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin of 22 raw and 19 cooked vegetables (14 boiled, and 5 fried) widely consumed among the Spanish population was determined according to the method of Van Soest. Cooking generally increases the NDF, ADF and cellulose content on a dry weight basis. Normal size servings of the vegetables were prepared and their NDF, cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin contents calculated. We observed that, with vegetables of common use, a total amount of 15–20 g/day of these fiber components can be obtained; according to current knowledge this implies beneficial physiological effects for a broad human pathology.