1.   And the ability of soluble fibers to lower LDLcholesterol recently persuaded the US Food and Drug Administration to permit food labeling with that claim.

2.   Another source of soluble fiber is psyllium, found in Metamucil and other natural laxatives.

3.   Adding a bowl of oatmeal and a bowl of split pea or black bean soup is a good way to start adding soluble fiber to the diet.

4.   Ensemble products included breakfast cereals and frozen entrees, all containing soluble fiber from the grain psyllium, which also reduces cholesterol levels.

5.   Good sources of soluble fiber include citrus fruits, oatmeal and potatoes.

6.   Last month Kellogg Co. introduced grain products, under the trade name Ensemble, that are enriched with psyllium, the soluble fiber in the stool softener Metamucil.

7.   Oatrim, which was developed by the Agriculture Department, is hydrolyzed oat flour and is derived from a process that frees soluble dietary fibers from oat bran.

8.   Oats, rye and barley are better sources of soluble fiber, which lowers the blood cholesterol level by binding to the fat and carrying it away.

9.   Pectin, which is used to gel jellies, is soluble fiber.

10.   Soluble fiber does play a role in cutting blood cholesterol, which may reduce the risk of heart disease.