View source for Translations:Dietary fiber/4/en

Soluble fiber (''fermentable fiber'' or ''prebiotic fiber'') &ndash; which dissolves in water &ndash; is generally fermented in the [[colon (anatomy)|colon]] into gases and physiologically active [[by-product]]s, such as [[short-chain fatty acid]]s produced in the colon by [[Gut flora|gut bacteria]]. Examples are [[beta-glucan]]s (in oats, barley, and mushrooms) and raw [[guar gum]]. [[Psyllium]] {{ndash}} a soluble, viscous, nonfermented fiber {{ndash}} is a bulking fiber that retains water as it moves through the [[digestive system]], easing [[defecation]]. Soluble fiber is generally [[viscous]] and delays [[Stomach#Function|gastric emptying]] which, in humans, can result in an extended feeling of fullness. [[Inulin]] (in [[chicory]] root), [[wheat dextrin]], [[oligosaccharide]]s, and [[resistant starch]]es (in legumes and bananas), are soluble non-viscous fibers. Regular intake of soluble fibers, such as [[beta-glucan]]s from oats or [[barley]], has been established to lower blood levels of [[low-density lipoprotein|LDL]] [[cholesterol]], a risk factor for [[cardiovascular disease]]s. Soluble fiber supplements also significantly lower LDL cholesterol.