A role for dietary non-starch polysaccharides in neurocognitive function

There is a great body of information emerging on the chemistry and role of non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) found in cell-plant walls, cereals and grains on human health. Whilst the structural and functional properties of these NSP's are diverse depending on the variety and source, it is clear that they play an important role in promoting better health outcomes. These include, lowering blood cholesterol, improving blood glucose regulation and insulin sensitivity, immune function, cardiovascular function, gastrointestinal structure and function, as well as prebiotic effects (Kumar, Sinha, Makkar, Boek, & Becker, 2012).