What fiber is
Most fibers are the parts of plant foods the body can't digest. Fibers offer valuable health benefits. There are two main types of fiber — soluble and insoluble. Both have important health benefits but it's the soluble fiber from oats and barley that can help lower cholesterol.
Why soluble fiber from oats is important
A health claim approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration highlights the connection between foods that contain soluble fiber from oats and heart health.
Too much cholesterol building up in the arteries brings a risk of heart disease. 3 grams of soluble fiber daily from whole grain oat foods, like original Cheerios® and Honey Nut Cheerios cereal, in a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. Original Cheerios cereal provides 1 gram per serving; Honey Nut Cheerios cereal provides 0.75 gram per serving.