Methods for the reduction of serum cholesterol levels in a mammal involve the consumption of a grain product having an enhanced soluble fiber content due to hydrolysis of insoluble dietary fibers in the grain product. Desirable approaches for the hydrolysis of grain products are described that result in an increase in the soluble fiber content. Some approaches for grain fiber hydrolysis result in a product with low levels of lysinoalanine. The grain products generally have high fiber grain brans, such as wheat bran. The grains products can be consumed as breakfast cereals. Similarly, flours including the hydrolyzed grain products can be incorporated into baked goods and the like.