Does soluble fiber lower blood cholesterol levels?
On One Hand: Soluble Fiber Lowers CholesterolSoluble fiber helps reduce blood cholesterol as well as blood glucose levels, according to the Mayo Clinic and Medline Plus. Good sources of soluble fiber include oat bran and barley, nuts and seeds, beans, lentils and peas as well as some fruits and vegetables, according to Medline Plus.On the Other: Diet May Not Be EnoughWhile increasing soluble fiber in the diet can help many people reduce blood cholesterol, additional steps like eating a generally healthier diet, exercising and not smoking should be considered as part of an overall plan to reduce cholesterol, according to the American Heart Association.Bottom LineMaking lifestyle changes like increasing the intake of soluble fiber are an important part of lowering blood cholesterol levels. However, some people may require medicines to help reach their blood cholesterol level goals, and people who need help lowering their cholesterol should talk to a doctor.Source:Mayo Clinic: Dietary Fib