To maintain a healthy digestive system and a healthy body in general we need a healthy level of “good” bacteria in our gut. These are probiotics. To help probiotics flourish, they in turn need their own support system. This comes in the form of “prebiotics” which are complex carbohydrates that are high in natural fibre levels. These act as food for good bacteria, enabling them to grow and flourish.
Additionally prebiotics function to protect our gastrointestinal, central nervous, immune and cardiovascular systems. A healthy intake of prebiotic foods may also help to:
● regulate blood sugar levels (see type 2 diabetes post)
● maintain a healthy weight
● reduce blood cholesterol levels (see statins post)
Healthy foods that can be consumed as wonderful natural sources of prebiotics are:
● those containing whole grains such as oatmeal and whole-grain bread
● fruit such as apples, bananas, nectarines and pomegranate
● vegetables such as asparagus, soybeans, artichokes, garlic, leek, onions and fennel
● starchy vegetables such as sweet potatoes, corn, and pumpkin
● legumes such as beans, lentils, chickpeas, red kidney beans and peas
As these natural foods also contain essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants they are particularly good news for your health and well-being.