Dietary fibre is the part of plant foods that the body cannot digest. Eating foods with fibre helps to keep the digestive tract healthy, stabilize blood sugar levels, and control cholesterol levels.

Fibre in the diet is classified as either soluble or insoluble.

Soluble fibre.

Soluble fibre has been shown to help lower blood cholesterol. Foods high in soluble fibre include oat bran, oatmeal, dry beans and peas, rice bran, barley, citrus fruits, strawberries, and apple pulp (the solids left after making apple juice).

Insoluble fibre.

Insoluble fibre does not lower blood cholesterol, but it is important in keeping the bowels healthy and preventing constipation and diverticular disease. Foods high in insoluble fibre include whole wheat breads, whole grain cereals, and wheat bran. Other examples are cabbage, beets, carrots, Brussels sprouts, turnips, cauliflower, and apple skin.