Well, first of all, what is it? Fiber is basically an indigestible nutrient – the two main types being soluble and insoluble. Since soluble fiber is the kind most beneficial, we’ll focus on that here.

Soluble fiber is the kind of fiber that dissolves in and absorbs water. Once you eat it, the body turns it into a kind of thick, viscous gel, which moves very slowly through your body. This is a good thing as soluble fiber fills you up and keeps you fuller longer, providing that sensation of fullness we call satiety.

In addition to these benefits, soluble fiber also slows the absorption of glucose (sugar) into the body. This means you’re going to avoid those nasty sugar highs and lows. Last but not least, fiber inhibits the reabsorption of bile into the system. Bile is a fat emulsifier and therefore if you inhibit bile reabsorption, your liver needs to get its cholesterol fix from your blood. This means lower blood-serum cholesterol levels.

With its ability to lower blood sugar, decrease blood cholesterol, increase satiety, and improve colon health, the important question isn’t “Got Milk?” The important question is “Got Fiber?”