EVALUATION OF MUSHROOM INSOLUBLE NON-STARCH POLYSACCHARIDES AS A FAT REPLACER IN FORM OF FIBRE GEL.

Mushroom insoluble polysaccharides were purified and studied for their suitability as a hepatoprotective agents. These mushroom non starch polysaccharides showed their capacity as a hepatoprotective agents. The liver enzymes ALT and AST in addition to lipid peroxidation are lowered when these extracts were used meanwhile the level of reduced glutathione did not change significantly. Hisopathalogical examination revealed clearly the ability of these insoluble polysaccharides to protect liver. The suitability of using this insoluble non starch polysaccharides as a fiber gel are also investigated. Scanning electron microscopy and emulsification indicated the suitability of such material to be used as a fat replacer. Sensory evaluation revealed that there was no significant difference in either the appearance, colour, odour, taste, texture, and overall acceptability as a function of enhancing the degree of substitution during preparing strawberry bread pudding.