Name a type of dietary fiber and its health benefit.

The identification of soluble fiber and its role in helping to lower cholesterol levels is vital for understanding dietary fiber's health benefits. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and forms a gel-like substance in the digestive tract. This unique property allows soluble fiber to bind with cholesterol in the digestive system, leading to increased excretion of bile acids and cholesterol. As a result, this process helps to reduce the overall levels of cholesterol in the blood, which is beneficial for heart health and can lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

In contrast, insoluble fiber, while beneficial for digestion, functions differently. It adds bulk to the stool and aids in moving food through the digestive tract, which is important for preventing constipation but does not have a significant direct effect on cholesterol levels or heart disease risk. Additionally, soluble fiber is known to help regulate blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of sugar, but its effect is to maintain balance rather than increase blood sugar levels, which would be contrary to health recommendations.