Prebiotic Foods
Prebiotics are substances found in foods that encourage the development of good bacteria in the digestive system. Most of them are fiber or complex carbohydrates indigestible to human cells. Instead, they are broken down and used as fuel by specific microbes in the stomach. Although all fibers are prebiotics, not all prebiotics are fibers. This explains why some kinds of fiber could be superior to others in terms of gut health.
Per multiple studies, prebiotics can stimulate the growth of a variety of good bacteria, including Bifidobacteria. In obese individuals, some prebiotics has been proven to lower insulin, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. This may also help to ward against diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Prebiotics are found in many fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, but they may also be found by themselves. Resistant starch is prebiotic, as well. Garlic, onions, wheat, soybeans, oats, artichoke, asparagus, and leeks are all high in prebiotics.
