Fibre is a vital part of any healthy diet. It is very protective to the Digestive System and the Heart and Circulatory System, and also protects against Cancers and other long-term illnesses by removing toxic metals and other substances from the body and by lowering cholesterol levels. A beneficial side effect is that the risk of Coronary heart Disease is also lowered with a diet high in fibre. High fibre foods are also more filling, so have a positive effect on controlling weight gain.
There are two types of fibre; soluble fibre, such as Pectin or FOS (Fructo-oligo saccharrides, or inulin), which is found in fruits, cereals, oats, roots, onions, beans, peas and green leafy vegetables, and insoluble fibre, which is found in indigestible substances such as bran and rice husks.
Both types are good for stimulating the action of the bowel, and combating constipation, but only soluble fibre is beneficial to the circulatory system as it is the only form that lowers cholesterol.
Soluble fibre is highest in the type of foods that also contain antioxidants (vitamins etc), which are protective to the artery walls. Since cholesterol is deposited more heavily on damaged artery walls, there is an extra advantage to protecting against this damage. Too much insoluble fibre can bind to the minerals in the bowel, making them unavailable for absorption by the body and effectively reducing the nutrient value in your food.