Fiber is a type of carbohydrate
found in plant foods. It's not digested or absorbed by the body. Fiber is often referred
to as soluble or insoluble. This depends on whether it dissolves in water. Food sources
include bran, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and seaweed.
Soluble fiber can interfere with the absorption of dietary fat and
cholesterol. This can help lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad”) cholesterol
levels in the blood. It can also help control blood sugar after a meal. Insoluble
fiber
can speed up the movement of food through the large intestine and relieve constipation.
Studies suggest that fiber may help
prevent colon cancer.