Dietary fiber supports colon health, but it may also promote weight loss and support overall heart health by lowering the risk of diabetes, lowering blood sugar and controlling blood cholesterol levels that are already within normal range.
Fiber is found in foods like fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes. However, not all fiber is the same. Soluble fiber dissolves in water to form a gel-like material that may help lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels.* This fiber is found in oats, peas, beans, apples, citrus fruits, carrots, barley and psyllium. Insoluble fiber promotes the movement of material through your digestive system and increases stool bulk, so it can benefit people with constipation or irregular stools.* Whole wheat flour, wheat bran, nuts and many vegetables are good sources of insoluble fiber.
Because a variety of high-fiber foods are necessary to provide the different types of dietary fiber necessary for good health, supplements can be an effective way to get an adequate amount of fiber. Combination fiber products can help simplify the quest to get the right balance of fiber in the diet. Soluble fiber products such as glucomannan can support weight loss and provide additional health benefits.*