Final answer:
Consumption of soluble fiber can lower total and LDL cholesterol, slow glucose absorption, thus lowering blood glucose spikes and reduce colon cancer risk. However, it does not lower HDL cholesterol levels, which are beneficial to maintain.
Step-by-step explanation:
Consumption of soluble fiber is associated with numerous health benefits, particularly in the context of cardiovascular and digestive system health. Soluble fiber dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance, which can help lower levels of total and low density lipoprotein cholesterol by binding to cholesterol particles and removing them from the body, thus potentially reducing the risk of heart disease.
Additionally, this form of fiber can slow the absorption of glucose into the blood, which can prevent spikes in blood glucose concentrations and may lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. As for cancer prevention, research has indicated that a high intake of dietary fiber, particularly from whole grains and legumes, may be linked to a lower risk of developing colon cancer. This benefit is thought to come from fibers' ability to hasten the passage of food through the colon, which limits the exposure of the colon to potential carcinogens.
It's important to note that while soluble fiber has many health benefits, consumption of soluble fiber does not lead to lower levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which is considered the 'good' cholesterol and beneficial for heart health. In fact, it is generally desirable to maintain or increase HDL cholesterol levels.