Which statement about soluble fiber is true?

Which statement about soluble fiber is true?

• A. Insoluble fiber reduces blood cholesterol levels.
• B. Soluble fiber has no effect on digestion.
• C. Both soluble and insoluble fiber are not important for health.
• D. Soluble fiber reduces blood cholesterol levels; found in oats, fruits, and vegetables.

Answer: (D)

Soluble fiber lowers blood cholesterol by dissolving in water to form a gel in the gut, which binds bile acids. This binding reduces the absorption of cholesterol and prompts the liver to use more cholesterol to make new bile, lowering circulating cholesterol levels. Oats are a well-known source of soluble fiber (beta-glucan), and many fruits and vegetables also contain soluble fibers like pectin. That combination makes the statement true: soluble fiber reduces blood cholesterol levels and is found in oats, fruits, and vegetables. Insoluble fiber doesn’t have the same cholesterol-lowering effect and mainly helps with stool bulk, while soluble fiber can also slow digestion and glucose absorption, not leave digestion unchanged. Fiber is indeed important for health, so saying neither type is important isn’t accurate.

Soluble fiber lowers blood cholesterol by dissolving in water to form a gel in the gut, which binds bile acids. This binding reduces the absorption of cholesterol and prompts the liver to use more cholesterol to make new bile, lowering circulating cholesterol levels. Oats are a well-known source of soluble fiber (beta-glucan), and many fruits and vegetables also contain soluble fibers like pectin. That combination makes the statement true: soluble fiber reduces blood cholesterol levels and is found in oats, fruits, and vegetables. Insoluble fiber doesn’t have the same cholesterol-lowering effect and mainly helps with stool bulk, while soluble fiber can also slow digestion and glucose absorption, not leave digestion unchanged. Fiber is indeed important for health, so saying neither type is important isn’t accurate.