Fact Sheets no. Fiber may be beneficial in treating or preventing constipation, hemorrhoids and diverticulosis. Water-soluble fiber helps decrease blood cholesterol levels.
Foods containing dietary fiber include fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains.
Include a variety of high-fiber foods in the diet. Studies have looked at the relationship between high-fiber diets and many diseases, including colon cancer, coronary heart disease and diabetes. Proven benefits of a high-fiber diet include prevention and treatment of constipation, hemorrhoids and diverticulosis. In addition, certain types of fiber help decrease blood cholesterol levels. Dietary fiber comes from the portion of plants that is not digested by enzymes in the intestinal tract.