Soluble fibre is a plant-based fibre that dissolves in water – unlike insoluble fibre. Soluble fibre is vitally important for your digestive health in general but confers numerous other healthy nutrition benefits including:
● the promotion of cardiovascular health – by helping maintain a healthy blood pressure while reducing levels of “bad” LDL- cholesterol and total blood cholesterol through binding to cholesterol and aiding its elimination from the body
● promoting gut health – soluble fibre is prebiotic – it feeds the good bacteria in the digestive system thereby positively impacting natural health
● stabilising blood sugar levels – through promoting sensitivity to insulin and consequently reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes
Particularly good sources of soluble fibre include the following:
● whole grains such as oats and barley
● legumes such as lentils and green peas
● beans
● green vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli and sprouts
● asparagus
● avocado
● sweet potato
● fruit – oranges, nectarines, apples, pears and peaches
● dried fruit – dates, apricots, prunes and figs