Definition: Soluble fiber is a type of fiber that, when consumed, passes through the body and is excreted, rather than being absorbed into the bloodstream. This type of fiber is “soluble,” or able to mix with water. In this case, it will form a gel-like consistency when combined with water in the digestive tract.
Many foods can serve as a source of soluble fiber, such as beans, nuts, psyllium husks, flaxseed, peas, oats, vegetables and fruits.
Soluble fiber has been shown to have a variety of healthy benefits, including lowering LDL cholesterol, increasing satiety after meals, and helping stabilize blood glucose levels after meals.
