You may have probably heard of probiotics, but do you know what prebiotics are?
Prebiotics are a class of indigestible food elements that act as fodder for the gut microbes and promote the growth of beneficial microflora in the large intestine. Professionals in the science community believe that prebiotics is as effective as probiotics at promoting your digestive health.
The natural sources of prebiotics are food items that should be incorporated into your daily meals, as they will support a balanced microbiome in your gut. Oats, bananas, barley, berries, apples, asparagus, leeks, wheat bran, tomatoes, garlic, onions are some of the prebiotic-rich foods you should include in your diet.
Prebiotics are beneficial for several reasons. First, they improve your immune response by giving your body a better chance at quelling the unfriendly gut bacteria while encouraging the good bacteria to grow. Another reason for taking prebiotics is that they reduce your risk of developing health concerns such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Let us cut through the science and explain why these little magical molecules are vital to your health.
6 reasons to include prebiotics in your daily diet
1. Balances the gut microbiome
A balanced gut microbiome can support a range of beneficial functions within the body, which can, in turn, improve immune system function and ward off chronic diseases. Prebiotics restore the good bacteria in your digestive tract to help balance your gut’s overgrowth of bad bacteria. It sounds like a relatively minor issue, but problems like acne, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), food sensitivity, and poor gut health can exacerbate asthma as well. Prebiotics can then be used to balance out whatever bad bacteria are present in your system.
2. Body absorbs nutrients better
Prebiotics enhance the ability of the gut to absorb minerals like calcium and magnesium, which are beneficial for bone health. Science shows that when your digestive system breaks down food, the body’s natural response is to shut down any autoimmune responses and immediately convert food consumed to energy.
3. Improvement of mental health
Studies have claimed connections between gut health and mood regulation. Eating prebiotics can reduce stress on the brain and helps it to function calmly and soothingly by aiding your body to absorb essential nutrients that build hormone chemicals crucial to your mental health.
4. Boosts immunity system
Probiotics stimulate your immune system and keep the inflammation in control by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria in your gut. Besides, prebiotics can help in the production of antibodies in your body which protects against infections.
5. Maintains a healthy weight
Prebiotics and probiotics both may help increase fullness, making it easier for you to eat fewer calories and lose weight. They aid digestion and reduce body fat and are associated with preventing obesity and maintaining energy levels.
6. Reduces the risk of heart diseases
A diet rich in prebiotics could lower your risk of cardiovascular diseases. Preliminary studies suggest that prebiotics can help reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as well as blood pressure—all of which decrease your risk of heart disease.
Takeaway
While most people know about probiotics, fewer are familiar with the health benefits of prebiotics. It is about time we familiarize ourselves with these compounds and consider adding them to our daily diet.
A healthy digestive system is the foundation of good health. For achieving optimal health, your gut needs to feel good. Further, you need to eat a diet that improves any imbalances and promotes gut health for your gut to be happy. The secret ingredient? Prebiotics.
A wide range of foods are rich in prebiotics—from bananas to peanuts and from milk to honey— and can be consumed every day. However, it is crucial to choose suitable food sources when incorporating prebiotics in your diet if you want to reap their health benefits.
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