What Are Soluble Fibres?

Soluble fibres, as the name suggests, dissolve in water. When eaten, soluble fibres slow the digestion and absorption of other dietary carbohydrates (starches and sugars) which can help prevent the rapid rise of blood glucose after eating.

Some soluble fibres can also help better maintain healthy blood cholesterol levels, for example, beta-glucan. Viscous soluble fibres are readily fermented in the colon, which can help you feel full quicker and for longer, when you eat.

They can also help modulate the composition of gut microbiota, such as Bifidobacteria.

Soluble fibres are found in varying quantities in all plant foods.

Some examples of soluble fibres produced by the European starch industry:

• Resistant Starch
• Resistant Dextrin (soluble corn fibre, soluble wheat fibre)