there are two kinds of fiber or nondigestible carbohydrates. the first which is insoluble aids in bowel function. an example is wheat bran. the second is soluble fiber now referred to as viscous fiber which has an additional cholesterol-lowering effect. examples include dried beans grains and certain fruits and vegetables. psyllium is a source of soluble fiber and has been shown to augment the lipid-lowering response when combined with other lipid lowering medications. oat products have the most soluble fiber of any grain. several recent studies have looked specifically at the effects of oats or oat bran on ldl-c [bad cholesterol]. both oats and oat bran demonstrated favorable results in the lowering of ldl-c. . the atp iii (adult treatment panel) recommends a minimum of 5-10 grams a day of total dietary fiber for people with even mildly elevated ldl-c levels but higher intakes of 10-12 grams of fiber per day can be more beneficial in those with more severe hyperlipidemia.
can fiber help lower cholesterol?