It seems like lately there are a lot of products that say they can help you get more fiber. What is it with this stuff? Why is it important, and what should you know about it? Here are the top ten things you ought to know about fiber, and why it’s so good for you.

1. It can prevent blood sugar imbalances

Fiber is a great thing for people with diabetes, because though technically it’s listed with the carbohydrates on food nutrition labels, it does NOT raise blood glucose levels.

2. There are two types

There are two types of fiber, soluble (dissolves in water) and insoluble (does not dissolve in water). Both are important to maintaining a healthy diet.

3. It can prevent obesity

Foods that are rich in fiber make you feel full, satisfied. So eating them will make you feel fuller, faster, which can prevent obesity.

4. It can lower your cholesterol

Soluble (the kind that dissolves in water) reduces your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the “bad” cholesterol. This is the cholesterol directly linked to heart disease, so lowering the amount your body absorbs, and the amount you eat, is a very good thing!

5. It’s easy to find

There are so many delicious foods that are high in fiber, it’s easy to find! There are even fiber supplements you can take instead, so finding fiber has never been easier.