Fiber refers to indigestible
plant material that is consumed with
food. Soluble fiber is a type of
fiber that is
water-soluble. It is absorbed into the bloodstream through the
small intestine, and is believed to help lower
cholesterol, especially
LDL cholesterol. Foods high in soluble fiber include
fruits (which contain
pectin) and
oat bran (which contains
beta-glucan).
The other major type of fiber is
insoluble fiber.