Which type of fiber absorbs water and can help lower blood cholesterol?

Soluble fiber is known for its ability to absorb water, forming a gel-like substance in the digestive tract. This property is important because it slows down digestion and can contribute to a feeling of fullness, which may help with weight management. More significantly, soluble fiber can help lower blood cholesterol levels. It does this by binding to bile acids in the intestines; when fiber binds to bile acids, it prevents their reabsorption, leading the body to pull cholesterol from the blood to produce more bile acids. This mechanism aids in reducing overall cholesterol levels, promoting heart health.

This is distinct from insoluble fiber, which primarily adds bulk to stool and helps prevent constipation without having a significant effect on cholesterol levels. Functional fiber, while beneficial in many ways, refers to types of fiber that are added to foods or supplements and is not categorized based on its source or function in the same way that soluble and insoluble fibers are. Resistant starch is a type of starch that escapes digestion in the small intestine and behaves similarly to fiber; however, its primary benefits are related to gut health rather than cholesterol management.