Women's Health
Ask the doctor: What are the differences between soluble and insoluble fiber?
Soluble fiber absorbs water in the stomach and intestine and forms a gel that slows digestion. This causes you to feel full and may help with weight loss. Soluble fiber also slows the digestion and absorption of glucose, which affects blood sugar levels and sensitivity to insulin — important factors in controlling diabetes. Finally, by interfering with the absorption of dietary cholesterol, soluble fiber decreases LDL (bad) cholesterol in the blood, which helps lower the risk of heart disease. Good sources include nuts, seeds, legumes (lentils, beans, and peas, for example), oat cereals, fruit pectin (found in citrus fruits, apples, pears, apricots, and peaches), and some vegetables, such as carrots.
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