Fiber is indigestible part of plant foods, containing very little or no calories, and many health benefits. There are two types of fiber – soluble and insoluble.
Soluble fiber dissolves in water. It helps lower blood cholesterol level and glucose level. It can slow down the absorption of sugar, which provides improvement of blood sugar levels. Some of the foods rich in soluble fiber are oats, peas, citrus fruits, apples, and carrot.
Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water. It promotes regular bowel movement. It also helps prevent constipation, and accelerates elimination of toxins from the body. Some of the foods rich in insoluble fiber are whole-wheat flour, wheat bran, beans, nuts, potatoes and cauliflower.
Since food rich in fiber is more filling than low fiber food, fiber rich diet helps to maintain a healthy body weight.