Sources Of Soluble Fiber For Lowering Your Cholesterol

Foods High In Soluble Fiber Are An Excellent Addition To Any Low Fat Diet

Including foods high in soluble fiber can play an important role in lowering cholesterol and reducing your risk of heart disease. While there are many foods -- especially fruits and vegetables -- that contain fiber, some foods contain a higher amount of soluble fiber than other foods.

The following foods contain a high amount of soluble fiber, and are therefore wise picks when scanning grocery store shelves for cholesterol lowering foods:

• plums
• citrus fruits, such as lemons, oranges, limes and grapefruits
• pears
• prunes
• psyllium seeds
• oatmeal
• broccoli
• carrots
• lentils
• brussel sprouts
• peas, such as chickpeas
• beans, such as lima beans, pinto beans, and kidney beans

Including these foods will not only provide you with soluble fiber, but nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and, in some cases, phytosterols. Phytosterols, which are found in vegetables and fruits, also play an important role in lowering cholesterol.

_Sources:

Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (PDF), July 2004, The National Institutes of Heath: The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.