Which is a benefit of dietary fiber?

• A. Slows rise in glucose level
• B. Increases cholesterol levels
• C. Decreases digestion rate
• D. Increases fat absorption

Answer: (A)

Dietary fiber, especially the soluble kind, forms a gel in the gut that slows how quickly carbohydrates are digested and absorbed. This leads to a slower, more gradual rise in blood glucose after a meal, which is a beneficial effect for managing energy and blood sugar levels. That’s why slowing the rise in glucose level is the best description of a fiber benefit.

Fiber doesn’t increase cholesterol—if anything, it can help lower it by binding bile acids. While fiber can slow gastric emptying, the key, well-supported benefit emphasized here is the glucose response, not a general decrease in digestion rate. Fiber also tends to reduce fat absorption rather than increase it.