Definition of Fiber, soluble and insoluble

Best Healthy Diet Snacks Slideshow

Soluble and insoluble fiber: Fiber (the portion of plants that cannot be digested by the human digestive tract) is classified as soluble and insoluble.

Oats, beans, dried peas, and legumes are major sources of soluble fiber whereas wheat bran, whole grain products, and vegetables are major sources of insoluble fiber. Fruits, vegetables, and barley are sources of both insoluble and soluble fiber.

Soluble fiber and insoluble fiber differ in function. For example, soluble fiber delays the time of transit through the intestine whereas insoluble fiber speeds up intestinal transit. For another example, soluble fiber and decreases the level of cholesterol in the blood whereas insoluble fiber has no effect on serum cholesterol.