Dietary Fiber Reduces Cholesterol and Promotes Cardiovascular Health
A High cholesterol level is a major cause of concern amongst people today. High cholesterol results in an increase of arterial plaque deposit and risk of cardiovascular disease. Naturally, people are turning to various options to reduce their cholesterol levels and to promote the health of their hearts. One of these options is diversifying their diet by increasing the content of plant based food.

One of the major benefits of plant based food is that such foods contain fiber. Vegetables, fruit, legumes, beans and whole grain cereals such as oats, barley and wheat are a rich source of bran and fiber. Fiber is very beneficial and as a matter of fact an indispensible component of our diet. There are a number of health benefits of eating foods rich in fiber or roughage. One of these benefits is that fiber reduces the levels of cholesterol in our blood and promotes better heart health.

We should be able to get sufficient fiber from the food that we eat. Unfortunately that is not the case. A predominantly animal foods based diet is rich in saturated fat and cholesterol. Although rich in protein and certain essential nutrients, such a diet increases the levels of cholesterol in our blood.

Increasing the amount of both soluble and insoluble fiber in our food by eating plant based foods helps to reduce the levels of cholesterol that is assimilated by our digestive tract. Soluble fiber acts like a sponge and soaks up cholesterol and prevents its absorption.

Medication for high levels of cholesterol is effective if a high fiber diet is followed. In many cases of high cholesterol, a high fiber diet can effectively replace drugs or medication.
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