Water soluble fiber

Dietary fiber is best regarded as comprising two major types: water soluble fiber, such as pectin and water-insoluble fiber, such as cellulose.

Most of the fiber in plant cell walls is water-soluble. Soluble fiber promotes regular bowel movements and aids in weight loss by slowing down the passage of food and giving a full feeling.

Soluble fiber is made up of non-cellulose carbohydrates, including pectins, gums, algal polysaccharides and some types of hemicellulose.

Water soluble is important it binds substances including bile salts and cholesterol, thereby reducing lipid uptake by the intestines.

Thus water-soluble fiber minimizes the absorption of cholesterol in the food and reduces cholesterol produced by the body.

Soluble fiber is useful in the management of diabetes, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia and other conditions that affected by the quick breakdown of carbohydrates into glucose, a form of sugar.

Food sources of insoluble fiber include barley, beans and peas, lentils, oat bran, fruits and vegetables. Eating oat bran (2 oz.) regularly each day may effectively lower blood sugar levels.
Water soluble fiber