Which type of fibre can help lower blood cholesterol and comes from foods such as carrots and oranges?

Soluble fibre is beneficial for lowering blood cholesterol levels, and it primarily comes from plant sources such as fruits (like oranges), vegetables (like carrots), oats, and legumes. This type of fibre dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance in the digestive tract. This gel can bind to cholesterol and bile acids, which promotes their excretion from the body. As a result, consuming soluble fibre can help lower overall cholesterol levels in the blood, ultimately contributing to better heart health.

In contrast, dietary fibre is a broad term encompassing both soluble and insoluble fibres without specifying their functions. Insoluble fibre does not have the same effect on cholesterol levels; instead, it aids in digestive health by adding bulk to the stool. Complex carbohydrates refer to a group of carbohydrates that include starches and fibres but do not specifically address the benefits related to cholesterol. Therefore, soluble fibre is the most accurate answer when looking for a type of fibre that specifically helps reduce blood cholesterol levels.