Most plants contain both kinds in varying amounts. Besides cellulose, there are also other types of natural fiber including hemicellulose, gums, mucilages, pectin, and lignin. Still, consuming fiber has very important health benefits. The best known of these is the prevention or correction of constipation. In addition, studies suggest that fiber may help prevent colon, rectal and breast cancer, diverticulosis, diabetes, and heart disease.
Oats are high in fiber.
This is the first health claim for manufactured food sanctioned by the government. Studies have shown that oats limit the reabsorption of cholesterol-rich bile acids into the blood and therefore lower artery clogging cholesterol.